1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1972 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 490 kg more than 1972 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 1972 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | S | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
