1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 37 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Lotus | Sunbeam |
| Model | Esprit | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 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 | 1067 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 68 L |
