1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1966 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1966 Peugeot 204 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 1,129 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Peugeot 204 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 47 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Peugeot 204 weights approximately 270 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 Peugeot 204, 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 Peugeot 204 (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1966 Peugeot 204 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 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Abarth | Peugeot |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 204 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2610 mm |
