1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1968 Opel Diplomat
To start off, 1968 Opel Diplomat is newer by 9 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 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Diplomat weights approximately 1080 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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 1968 Opel Diplomat has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Opel Diplomat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1968 Opel Diplomat | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Diplomat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2850 mm |
