1971 AC 428 vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1974 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 AC 428 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 516 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 AC 428 | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | AC | Sunbeam |
| Model | 428 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
