1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 1960 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1977 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,591 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Sunbeam Alpine (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (45 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 245 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1960 Sunbeam Alpine (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1960 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 1960 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Fiesta | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1591 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
