1990 Buick Electra vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1990 Buick Electra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Electra weights approximately 565 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra, 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, 1990 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. 1990 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1974 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Buick Electra | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
Model | Electra | Alpine |
Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 123 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1010 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2510 mm |