1971 Volkswagen K 70 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, both 1971 Volkswagen K 70 and 1971 Sunbeam Alpine were released in the same year (1971). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 40 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, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, both vehicles can yield 123 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1971 Volkswagen K 70 has manual transmission. 1971 Volkswagen K 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Sunbeam |
| Model | K 70 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 1604 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2510 mm |
