1974 Nissan Laurel vs. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 90 kg more than 1976 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. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Nissan Laurel (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1974 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Nissan Laurel | 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Nissan | Sunbeam |
| Model | Laurel | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
