1957 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1972 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1972 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Fairthorpe Electron (83 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Fairthorpe Electron should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 488 kg more than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron.
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, 1972 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. (99 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1972 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fairthorpe Electron | 1972 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Sunbeam |
| Model | Electron | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.4 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 542 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
