1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 14 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
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, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Cortina | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 68 L |
