2008 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 826 kg more than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, 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 Mercury Mountaineer (407 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercury | Sunbeam |
| Model | Mountaineer | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
