1967 Riley Kestrel vs. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1967 Riley Kestrel is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (57 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1967 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 385 kg more than 1967 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Riley Kestrel | 1954 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Riley | Sunbeam |
| Model | Kestrel | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1954 |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2490 mm |
