1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 57 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (318 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW 640 (450 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | BMW |
| Model | Alpine | 640 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5007 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
