2008 Ford Focus vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 325 kg more than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Focus | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 40 L |
