1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 24 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 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 542 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Sunbeam |
| Model | Corvette | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 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 | 1572 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 68 L |
