1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1973 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 535 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1973 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | 2CV | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 423 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 68 L |
