1968 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2010 Renault Espace
To start off, 2010 Renault Espace is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Renault Espace (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Renault Espace weights approximately 785 kg more than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Renault Espace, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | 2010 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Renault |
| Model | Rapier | Espace |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 83 L |
