1992 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1992 BMW 520 is newer by 18 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 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 520 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 520 weights approximately 458 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, 1992 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 520 | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 520 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
