1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 240 kg more than 1948 Fiat 500. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Fiat | Sunbeam |
| Model | 500 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
