1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude 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 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 280 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, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Prelude | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
