1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 759 kg more than 1976 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1976 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | SL | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
