1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 490 kg more than 1961 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. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Fiat | Sunbeam |
| Model | 500 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 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 | 540 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2510 mm |
