1955 Citroen 15 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Citroen 15. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Citroen 15 would be higher. At 2,866 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Citroen 15 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1955 Citroen 15. (76 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1955 Citroen 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Citroen 15 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Because 1971 Sunbeam Rapier is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1955 Citroen 15, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1955 Citroen 15 (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1955 Citroen 15 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Citroen 15 | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | 15 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2866 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2510 mm |
