1970 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 42 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 390 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2651 mm |
