1966 Wartburg 312 vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,724 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 50 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 312, 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, 1969 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1969 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
1966 Wartburg 312 | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
Make | Wartburg | Sunbeam |
Model | 312 | Alpine |
Year Released | 1966 | 1969 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 900 cc | 1724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 37 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 82 Nm | 123 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1010 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 27 L |