2006 Saturn ION vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 440 kg more than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION, 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, 2006 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Saturn | Sunbeam |
| Model | ION | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 27 L |
