1971 BMW 3 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, both 1971 BMW 3 and 1971 Sunbeam Alpine were released in the same year (1971). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
