1977 Honda Accord vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1977 Honda Accord is newer by 9 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 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Honda Accord (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 140 kg more than 1977 Honda Accord.
Because 1968 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 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Honda Accord, 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, both vehicles can yield 126 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Accord | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Honda | Sunbeam |
| Model | Accord | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
