1972 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 80 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.
Because 1972 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 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
