1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1973 Simca 1100
To start off, 1973 Simca 1100 is newer by 14 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 944 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Simca 1100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1973 Simca 1100. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera should accelerate faster than 1973 Simca 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Simca 1100 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, 1973 Simca 1100, 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, 1973 Simca 1100 (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Simca 1100 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 | 1973 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | Abarth | Simca |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 65 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2530 mm |
