1978 Honda Accord vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1978 Honda Accord is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Accord (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 80 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord.
Because 1972 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 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, 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, 1978 Honda Accord (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Accord | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
