1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1045 kg more than 1962 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 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1962 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
| Model | Riviera | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2190 mm |
