1993 Rover 800 vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1993 Rover 800 is newer by 22 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 2,675 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Rover 800 (167 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Rover 800 weights approximately 494 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.
Because 1971 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 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Rover 800, 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, 1993 Rover 800 (225 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1993 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Rover 800 | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Rover | Sunbeam |
| Model | 800 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2675 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
