2007 Acura TL vs. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2007 Acura TL is newer by 34 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Acura TL (258 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Acura TL weights approximately 420 kg more than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Acura TL, 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, 2007 Acura TL (316 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Acura TL | 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Acura | Sunbeam |
| Model | TL | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 258 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 68 L |
