1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1996 Buick Riviera

To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 1000 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Abarth 1000 1996 Buick Riviera
Make Abarth Buick
Model 1000 Riviera
Year Released 1959 1996
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 998 cc 3789 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 88 HP 202 HP
Engine RPM 8000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 97 Nm 312 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 74 mm 96.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 58 mm 86.4 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 680 kg 1700 kg
Vehicle Length 3700 mm 5270 mm
Vehicle Width 1560 mm 1910 mm
Vehicle Height 1210 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 2170 mm 2820 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 60 L 75 L