1992 Jaguar XJS vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1992 Jaguar XJS 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 3,980 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Jaguar XJS (220 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 700 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 Jaguar XJS (377 Nm @ 3650 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1992 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Jaguar XJS | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Jaguar | Sunbeam |
| Model | XJS | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3650 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
