1981 BMW 528 vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1981 BMW 528 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1961 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 528 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
