2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 41 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Lotus | Sunbeam |
| Model | Elise | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
