1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1976 BMW 3.3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 499 kg more than 1962 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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1962 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 3.3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 40 L |
