1972 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1979 Volvo 260 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1972 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volvo |
| Model | Alpine | 260 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
