1961 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 51 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 162 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 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1157 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2470 mm |
