1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1975 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1975 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 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 6 more horse power than 1968 Abarth 1300. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1968 Abarth 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 360 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300. 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, 1975 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1975 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Abarth | Sunbeam |
| Model | 1300 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 68 L |
