2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 730 kg more than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
| Model | LaCrosse | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2510 mm |
