1996 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1996 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Donkervoort D8 (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 360 kg more than 1996 Donkervoort D8.
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, 1996 Donkervoort D8 (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1996 Donkervoort D8 has manual transmission. 1996 Donkervoort D8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Donkervoort D8 | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Sunbeam |
| Model | D8 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
