2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 752 kg more than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1976 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
| Model | Lucerne | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1762 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2510 mm |
