1961 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 185 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Sunbeam Alpine is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2410 mm |
