2008 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 439 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 925 kg more than 1971 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 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 505 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | S | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
