1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 43 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 646 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1954 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1954 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Caterham | Sunbeam |
| Model | C21 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 110 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
