1978 Buick Estate vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1978 Buick Estate is newer by 4 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 850 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
| Model | Estate | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
