1995 BMW 318 vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1995 BMW 318 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 318 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1974 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, 1995 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 318 | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 318 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
