1999 Fiat Seicento vs. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1999 Fiat Seicento is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1999 Fiat Seicento. (53 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1999 Fiat Seicento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 295 kg more than 1999 Fiat Seicento. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Seicento, 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, 1971 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Fiat Seicento. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1971 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Fiat Seicento.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Fiat Seicento | 1971 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Fiat | Sunbeam |
| Model | Seicento | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 68 L |
