1961 NSU Prinz IV vs. 1960 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1961 NSU Prinz IV is newer by 1 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 1,591 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Sunbeam Alpine (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 430 kg more than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. 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, 1960 Sunbeam Alpine (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1960 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 NSU Prinz IV | 1960 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | NSU | Sunbeam |
| Model | Prinz IV | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 598 cc | 1591 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 44 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
