1982 Porsche 944 vs. 1972 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1982 Porsche 944 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Porsche 944 (151 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Porsche 944 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1972 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, 1982 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1982 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Porsche 944 | 1972 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Porsche | Sunbeam |
| Model | 944 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 68 L |
