1968 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 440 kg more than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
