1971 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 554 kg more than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
