1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 18 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 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fiesta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 92 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1971 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 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1989 Ford Fiesta (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Fiesta | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
