1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, both 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 and 1976 Sunbeam Rapier were released in the same year (1976). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 530 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | 280 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
