1999 AC Ace vs. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1999 AC Ace is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 AC Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 AC Ace (351 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 AC Ace should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 5 kg more than 1999 AC Ace.
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, 1999 AC Ace (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 AC Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 AC Ace | 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | AC | Sunbeam |
| Model | Ace | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 351 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
