1949 MG TD vs. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 MG TD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 MG TD would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1949 MG TD. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1949 MG TD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 154 kg more than 1949 MG TD. 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, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 MG TD. (87 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1970 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 MG TD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 MG TD | 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | MG | Sunbeam |
| Model | TD | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1250 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2510 mm |
