1987 Mazda 626 vs. 1960 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 626 (146 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 626 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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, 1987 Mazda 626 (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda 626 | 1960 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mazda | Sunbeam |
| Model | 626 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1591 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2190 mm |
