2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 377 kg more than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Mercury | Sunbeam |
| Model | Cougar | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 68 L |
