1976 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1996 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Toyota Corolla is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Corolla (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 60 kg more than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1996 Toyota Corolla (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | 1996 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Toyota |
| Model | Rapier | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
