1963 Abarth 595 vs. 1972 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1972 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1963 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1963 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 560 kg more than 1963 Abarth 595. 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, 1972 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Abarth 595.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 595 | 1972 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Abarth | Sunbeam |
| Model | 595 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 68 L |
