1970 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 160 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2430 mm |
