1990 Holden Apollo vs. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1990 Holden Apollo is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Holden Apollo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Holden Apollo (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Holden Apollo should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Holden Apollo weights approximately 175 kg more than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Holden Apollo, 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, 1990 Holden Apollo (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 Holden Apollo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Holden Apollo | 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Holden | Sunbeam |
| Model | Apollo | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
