1973 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1970 Volvo 145
To start off, 1973 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volvo 145 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volvo 145 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1973 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, 1970 Volvo 145 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1970 Volvo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | 1970 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volvo |
| Model | Rapier | 145 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
