2008 Honda Civic vs. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 255 kg more than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 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 (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 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 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Civic | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
