1980 Bitter SC vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1980 Bitter SC is newer by 12 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Bitter SC (178 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Bitter SC weights approximately 320 kg more than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Bitter SC | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Bitter | Sunbeam |
| Model | SC | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2968 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
