1998 Ferrari 456M vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 456M is newer by 27 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 456M weights approximately 660 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, 1998 Ferrari 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 456M | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Ferrari | Sunbeam |
| Model | 456M | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 68 L |
