1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 210 kg more than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1955 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
