1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 57 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 101 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | GTI |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
