1983 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 530 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | S | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
