1968 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 44 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 194 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 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, 2012 Honda Civic, 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, 2012 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Honda |
| Model | Rapier | Civic |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1224 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
