1970 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 35 kg more than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.
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, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1961 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Sunbeam |
| Model | Rapier | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
