1971 Ford Escort vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1971 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 495 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. 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, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Escort | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2480 mm |
