1973 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 303 kg more than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Sunbeam Rapier | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
