1983 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 140 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1983 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1983 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Golf | 1976 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Sunbeam |
| Model | Golf | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |
