1997 BMW 318 vs. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1962 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, 1997 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 1962 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 318 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
