2010 Ford Taurus vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2010 Ford Taurus is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Taurus weights approximately 811 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus, 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, 2010 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Ford Taurus | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Taurus | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1821 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5154 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1935 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2868 mm | 2510 mm |
