2005 Honda NSX vs. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda NSX weights approximately 400 kg more than 1973 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 Honda NSX (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda NSX | 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | NSX | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 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 | 1430 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
