2004 Dodge Viper vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2004 Dodge Viper is newer by 30 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 7,988 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Viper weights approximately 493 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, 2004 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 586 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Viper | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Dodge | Sunbeam |
| Model | Viper | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7988 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 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 | 1523 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
