1970 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2004 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2004 Toyota Prius is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Prius (76 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Prius weights approximately 330 kg more than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Prius, 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, 1970 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1970 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Prius. 2004 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1970 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | 2004 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Toyota |
| Model | Alpine | Prius |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
