1980 Ferrari 308 vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1980 Ferrari 308 is newer by 6 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 254 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, 1980 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 308 | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Ferrari | Sunbeam |
| Model | 308 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 68 L |
