1971 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is newer by 41 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 695 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, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 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 Chevrolet Equinox (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Equinox will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has automatic transmission and 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | 2012 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Chevrolet |
| Model | Alpine | Equinox |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2858 mm |
