2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1826 kg more than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Ford | Sunbeam |
| Model | Five Hundred | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 68 L |
