1996 BMW 540 vs. 1972 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 24 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 705 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1972 Sunbeam Rapier | |
Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
Model | 540 | Rapier |
Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1725 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 79 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |