1987 Maserati 420 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1987 Maserati 420 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Maserati 420 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1971 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, 1987 Maserati 420 (258 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Maserati 420 | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Maserati | Sunbeam |
| Model | 420 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | 1175 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
