1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1961 Abarth 700
To start off, 1961 Abarth 700 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera would be higher. At 785 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 700 (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 700 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera weights approximately 40 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700.
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, 1961 Abarth 700 (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 700 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 | 1961 Abarth 700 | |
| Make | Abarth | Abarth |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 700 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 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 | 570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2010 mm |
