2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC vs. 1973 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 36 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 435 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.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC (250 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC | 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Sunbeam |
| Model | CLC | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
