1974 BMW 518 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1974 BMW 518 is newer by 3 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 230 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, 1974 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 518 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
