1981 Austin Allegro vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1981 Austin Allegro is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Austin Allegro, 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, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Austin | Sunbeam |
| Model | Allegro | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2190 mm |
