1971 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 383 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 645 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 477 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Alpine | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2766 mm |
