1974 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1981 Holden Commodore is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,892 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Commodore (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 150 kg more than 1974 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Holden |
| Model | Alpine | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Size | 1724 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
