1968 Mini Clubman vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mini Clubman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mini Clubman would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1968 Mini Clubman. (38 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1968 Mini Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 334 kg more than 1968 Mini Clubman. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Mini Clubman, 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, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mini Clubman. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1973 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mini Clubman. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1968 Mini Clubman has manual transmission. 1968 Mini Clubman will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mini Clubman | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mini | Sunbeam |
| Model | Clubman | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3180 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2510 mm |
