1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,724 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1969 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Austin | Sunbeam |
| Model | A 40 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 27 L |
