1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fairlane (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 600 kg more than 1971 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Fairlane | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
