1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1958 Rover P4
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 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Rover P4 (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 790 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 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P4 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 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Abarth | Rover |
| Model | Spider Riviera | P4 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2830 mm |
