2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Sunbeam |
| Model | 156 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
