2012 BMW 550 vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 1036 kg more than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 486 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW 550 | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 550 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4899 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1464 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2968 mm | 2510 mm |
