1959 BMW 503 vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1973 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 486 kg more than 1973 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 503 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
