1977 Ford Cortina vs. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1977 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford Cortina (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 98 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Cortina | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
