1985 AC Cobra vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1985 AC Cobra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 AC Cobra (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 165 kg more than 1971 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, 1985 AC Cobra (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | AC | Sunbeam |
| Model | Cobra | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
