1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 110 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. 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 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1970 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Opel | Sunbeam |
| Model | Ascona | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
