1975 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1975 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, 2009 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1975 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | BMW |
| Model | Alpine | 120 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
