1989 Lada Samara vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1989 Lada Samara is newer by 34 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 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1989 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1989 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 380 kg more than 1989 Lada Samara. 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, 1989 Lada Samara, 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, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lada Samara | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Lada | Sunbeam |
| Model | Samara | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2480 mm |
