1976 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 625 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | BMW |
| Model | Rapier | M3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
