1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1959 Ford Zephyr is newer by 4 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 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 124 kg more than 1959 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1959 Ford Zephyr (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Zephyr | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
