1981 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 550 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Sunbeam Alpine. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | S | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1975 |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
