1974 Renault 12 vs. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 350 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12, 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, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1954 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Renault | Sunbeam |
| Model | 12 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2490 mm |
