2004 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,724 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 164 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic.
Because 1974 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 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic, 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, 2004 Honda Civic (223 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 2004 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2004 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Civic | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
