1974 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 27 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 330 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | BMW |
| Model | Rapier | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
