1965 Saab MC vs. 1975 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1975 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Saab MC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Saab MC would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1965 Saab MC. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1965 Saab MC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 142 kg more than 1965 Saab MC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Sunbeam Rapier is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Saab MC, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1975 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Saab MC. (91 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1975 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Saab MC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Saab MC | 1975 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Saab | Sunbeam |
| Model | MC | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 841 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 888 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
