1971 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Focus weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Focus, 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, 2011 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Ford |
| Model | Alpine | Focus |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2614 mm |
