2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 490 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Caterham | Sunbeam |
| Model | 21 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 68 L |
