2003 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 29 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 AC Cobra weights approximately 32 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, 2003 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | AC | Sunbeam |
| Model | Cobra | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 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 | 1062 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
