1975 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 76 kg more than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine.
Because 1975 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 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Passat |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1984 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |
