1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 4 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 10 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
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, 1979 Lancia Beta, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Lancia | Sunbeam |
| Model | Beta | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1975 |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
