1994 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M3 weights approximately 451 kg more than 1973 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M3 | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | M3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
