1991 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 390 kg more than 1955 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | SL | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
