1961 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 45 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 599 kg more than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
