1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1974 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1974 Lancia Beta is newer by 15 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 430 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, 1974 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm). This means 1974 Lancia Beta 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 | 1974 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Abarth | Lancia |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Beta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
