1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 693 kg more than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Jaguar | Sunbeam |
| Model | XJS | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2510 mm |
