1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera
To start off, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 785 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera (47 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera weights approximately 165 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500. 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, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | |
| Make | Abarth | Abarth |
| Model | 500 | Spider Riviera |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 47 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
