1961 Riley 4 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Riley 4 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
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, 1971 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Riley 4. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1961 Riley 4 has manual transmission. 1961 Riley 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Riley 4 | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Riley | Sunbeam |
| Model | 4 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
