1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1958 MG MGA
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 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 MG MGA weights approximately 290 kg more than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 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, 1958 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1958 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1958 MG MGA | |
| Make | Abarth | MG |
| Model | Spider Riviera | MGA |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 610 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2390 mm |
