1975 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1975 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 593 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Sunbeam Rapier | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | W12 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
