2006 Rover 25 vs. 1968 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2006 Rover 25 is newer by 38 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 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Rover 25 (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Rover 25 should accelerate faster than 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Rover 25 weights approximately 55 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.
Because 1968 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 1968 Sunbeam Rapier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Rover 25, 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, 1968 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Rover 25. (110 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1968 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Rover 25.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Rover 25 | 1968 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Rover | Sunbeam |
| Model | 25 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 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 | 1085 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
