1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1966 Mini Countryman
To start off, 1966 Mini Countryman is newer by 7 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 848 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Mini Countryman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1966 Mini Countryman. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera should accelerate faster than 1966 Mini Countryman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mini Countryman weights approximately 50 kg more than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera.
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, 1966 Mini Countryman, 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, 1966 Mini Countryman (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1966 Mini Countryman 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 | 1966 Mini Countryman | |
| Make | Abarth | Mini |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Countryman |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2140 mm |
