1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1973 Mercury Cougar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1004 kg more than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Mercury | Sunbeam |
| Model | Cougar | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
