2005 Seat Leon vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 31 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 366 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Seat Leon, 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, 2005 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 2005 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2005 Seat Leon 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:
| 2005 Seat Leon | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Seat | Sunbeam |
| Model | Leon | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1376 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
