1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 308 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 20 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ferrari | Sunbeam |
| Model | 308 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 45 L |
