2008 Honda Fit vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2008 Honda Fit is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Fit (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Fit should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Fit weights approximately 270 kg more than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Fit, 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 Fit (142 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Fit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Fit has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Fit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Fit | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Fit | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
