1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (240 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1969 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, 1998 BMW Z3 (320 Nm) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | Z3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
