1970 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1973 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier.
Because 1970 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 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | 1973 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
