1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 10 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 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 99 kg more than 1983 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro, 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, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Austin | Sunbeam |
| Model | Maestro | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
