2008 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 34 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (398 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 25 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, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (546 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Sunbeam |
| Model | Corvette | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 398 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
