2008 Honda Civic vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 39 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 1,724 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 270 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, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Civic | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 27 L |
