1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1962 MG Midget
To start off, 1962 MG Midget is newer by 3 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 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 MG Midget is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1962 MG Midget. (46 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera should accelerate faster than 1962 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 MG Midget weights approximately 125 kg more than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera.
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, 1962 MG Midget (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1962 MG Midget 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 | 1962 MG Midget | |
| Make | Abarth | MG |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Midget |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 46 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3250 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 | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1372 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1232 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2032 mm |
