2004 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 870 kg more than 1961 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | CL | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 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 | 1865 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 99 L | 40 L |
