2008 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 447 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 945 kg more than 1972 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 508 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | S | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2510 mm |
