1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 9 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 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 555 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | 240 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 27 L |
