1970 Saab Sonett III vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1970 Saab Sonett III is newer by 2 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 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 230 kg more than 1970 Saab Sonett III. 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, 1970 Saab Sonett III, 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, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab Sonett III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Saab Sonett III | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Saab | Sunbeam |
| Model | Sonett III | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.9 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2160 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
