1975 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 34 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, 2009 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 320 kg more than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Toyota Prius, 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, 1975 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1975 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Toyota |
| Model | Alpine | Prius |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
