1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1972 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 1972 Jaguar XJ 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 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1972 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Jaguar XJ (251 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 1260 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 Jaguar XJ (408 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 1972 Jaguar XJ 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. 1972 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1972 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Abarth | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider Riviera | XJ |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 70 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 | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2870 mm |
