1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 56 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, 2011 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 325 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, 2011 Opel Astra, 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, 2011 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Opel |
| Model | Alpine | Astra |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
