1974 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 570 kg more than 1974 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, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Vauxhall |
| Model | Rapier | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2740 mm |
