1987 Porsche 959 vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1987 Porsche 959 is newer by 14 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 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 959 weights approximately 436 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.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1987 Porsche 959 has manual transmission. 1987 Porsche 959 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Porsche 959 | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Porsche | Sunbeam |
| Model | 959 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
