1968 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 79 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 270 kg more than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
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, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1954 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | 1954 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Sunbeam |
| Model | Rapier | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 110 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
