1972 AMC Matador vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 17 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 434 kg more than 1955 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, 1972 AMC Matador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1955 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | AMC | Sunbeam |
| Model | Matador | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 45 L |
