2009 BMW 335 vs. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 335 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1970 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, 2009 BMW 335 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 335 | 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 335 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 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 | 1600 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
