1960 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Sunbeam Alpine | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volvo |
| Model | Alpine | 260 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2660 mm |
