1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1957 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1957 Sunbeam Rapier. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1957 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 835 kg more than 1957 Sunbeam Rapier. 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. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1957 Sunbeam Rapier has manual transmission. 1957 Sunbeam Rapier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1957 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
| Model | Riviera | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2440 mm |
