1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 10 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 1955 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 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. 1997 Honda Prelude has automatic transmission and 1955 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda Prelude will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Prelude | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
