1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1977 Ford Fiesta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Rapier 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 39 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 315 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Fiesta | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 68 L |
