1971 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1987 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1987 Toyota Corolla is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Toyota Corolla (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 10 kg more than 1987 Toyota Corolla.
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, 1987 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1987 Toyota Corolla (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | 1987 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Toyota |
| Model | Rapier | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
