1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 552 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
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 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Caterham | Sunbeam |
| Model | 7 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 68 L |
