1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 125 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1954 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Lotus | Sunbeam |
| Model | Esprit | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 45 L |
