1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 55 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 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
