1970 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 344 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2006 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
