1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 16 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 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fiesta (76 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 114 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1973 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 1973 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 (132 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 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 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Fiesta | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
