2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 470 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Caterham | Sunbeam |
| Model | 7 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1975 |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2510 mm |
