1960 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 700 kg more than 1960 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Sunbeam Alpine | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | BMW |
| Model | Alpine | 520 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
