1975 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 37 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 116 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 340 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, 2012 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Sunbeam Rapier | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | BMW |
| Model | Rapier | 116 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
