1976 Sunbeam Rapier vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1976 Sunbeam Rapier and 1976 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (1976). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 210 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapier | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
