2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 198 kg more than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Because 1973 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 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Sunbeam |
| Model | Golf | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2510 mm |
