1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 40 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. 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, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Austin | Sunbeam |
| Model | A 40 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 68 L |
