1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1963 NSU Wankel Spider
To start off, 1963 NSU Wankel Spider is newer by 4 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 1,000 cc, 1963 NSU Wankel Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 NSU Wankel Spider (50 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 NSU Wankel Spider should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 NSU Wankel Spider weights approximately 90 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, 1963 NSU Wankel Spider (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1963 NSU Wankel Spider 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 | 1963 NSU Wankel Spider | |
| Make | Abarth | NSU |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Wankel Spider |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1000 cc |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| 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 | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2030 mm |
