1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 125 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. 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, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Fiat | Sunbeam |
| Model | 1200 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 68 L |
