1993 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 22 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette (380 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 545 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, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette (512 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1993 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Chevrolet Corvette | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Sunbeam |
| Model | Corvette | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 380 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 512 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 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 | 1575 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
