2005 BMW 645 vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2005 BMW 645 is newer by 31 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 4,390 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 645 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 645 (338 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 645 should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 645 weights approximately 685 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, 2005 BMW 645 (439 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 645 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 645 | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 645 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4390 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
