1973 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 447 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 838 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1973 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Alpine | E |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1014 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1443 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2875 mm |
