1963 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1963 Austin Mini Cooper is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Sunbeam Alpine (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (67 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 305 kg more than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 Austin Mini Cooper, 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, 1962 Sunbeam Alpine (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (84 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1962 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin Mini Cooper | 1962 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Austin | Sunbeam |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1071 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 40 L |
