1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1961 Wartburg 311 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 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1961 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Wartburg 311 (49 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 360 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.
Because 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera 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 Spider Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 311, 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, 1961 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 311 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 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Abarth | Wartburg |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 311 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2460 mm |
