1968 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1997 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Parati is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Parati (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Parati should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 55 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Parati.
Because 1968 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 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Parati, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Parati (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Parati will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | 1997 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | Parati |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
