1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1972 AMC Javelin
To start off, 1972 AMC Javelin is newer by 13 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Javelin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Javelin (151 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Javelin should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Javelin weights approximately 840 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, 1972 AMC Javelin (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Javelin 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 | 1972 AMC Javelin | |
| Make | Abarth | AMC |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Javelin |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 4982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2800 mm |
