1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 415 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. 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, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1961 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1961 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Abarth | Sunbeam |
| Model | 600 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
