1997 Honda NSX vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 26 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 488 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.
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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | NSX | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2510 mm |
