2003 BMW M3 vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1955 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | M3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
