2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 94 kg more than 2009 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Lotus | Sunbeam |
| Model | Exige | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
