1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 340 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Caterham | Sunbeam |
| Model | C21 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
