2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 915 kg more than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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 Mercury Mariner (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercury Mariner has manual transmission. 2009 Mercury Mariner will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercury | Sunbeam |
| Model | Mariner | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 27 L |
