1971 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2006 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2006 Skoda Octavia is newer by 35 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Skoda Octavia (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 335 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, 2006 Skoda Octavia, 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, 2006 Skoda Octavia (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | 2006 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Skoda |
| Model | Rapier | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
