1961 Alpine A 108 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 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alpine A 108 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 22 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 415 kg more than 1961 Alpine A 108. 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alpine A 108. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1961 Alpine A 108 has manual transmission. 1961 Alpine A 108 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 Alpine A 108 | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Alpine | Sunbeam |
| Model | A 108 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2510 mm |
