1976 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1976 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 40 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311, 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, 1976 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Sunbeam Alpine | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Wartburg |
| Model | Alpine | 311 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1966 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2460 mm |
