1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1976 BMW 3.3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 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 123 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 484 kg more than 1969 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. 1976 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1969 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 3.3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 27 L |
