1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1972 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 643 kg more than 1970 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 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1970 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Pontiac | Sunbeam |
| Model | Firebird | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1970 |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
