2003 BMW M3 vs. 1969 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 34 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 432 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1969 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | M3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 27 L |
