1964 Citroen DS vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1974 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Citroen DS (82 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Citroen DS weights approximately 145 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Citroen DS, 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, 1964 Citroen DS (144 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1964 Citroen DS has manual transmission. 1964 Citroen DS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Citroen DS | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | DS | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2510 mm |
