2005 Fiat Punto vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2005 Fiat Punto is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier weights approximately 85 kg more than 2005 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Punto, 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, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Punto. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Punto | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Fiat | Sunbeam |
| Model | Punto | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 68 L |
