2011 Lotus Elise vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 42 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 98 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Elise 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:
| 2011 Lotus Elise | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Lotus | Sunbeam |
| Model | Elise | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1724 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 | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3785 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1118 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 27 L |
