1954 Austin A 70 vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 70 weights approximately 254 kg more than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
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, 1954 Austin A 70 (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 70 | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Austin | Sunbeam |
| Model | A 70 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 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 | 1284 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 68 L |
