1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 10 kg more than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Lotus | Sunbeam |
| Model | Elan | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
