2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 177 kg more than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1955 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Taurus | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
