2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 5,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 547 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 720 kg more than 1974 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 657 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 5506 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2510 mm |
