1970 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 41 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 84 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Lotus |
| Model | Alpine | Elise |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2299 mm |
