1997 BMW 850 vs. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 950 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 850 (490 Nm) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1962 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 850 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2190 mm |
