1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Reatta (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 236 kg more than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta, 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, 1988 Buick Reatta (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1955 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Reatta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
| Model | Reatta | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 45 L |
