1985 BMW 324 vs. 1960 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1985 BMW 324 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW 324 (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1960 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1960 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 324 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1591 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
