2009 BMW 550 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
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, 2009 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 550 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1725 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
