1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1970 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 457 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | SL | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
