1956 Maserati 450 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 4,478 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Maserati 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 240 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
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, 1956 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Maserati 450 | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Maserati | Sunbeam |
| Model | 450 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1030 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
