1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1976 BMW 3.3
To start off, 1976 BMW 3.3 is newer by 17 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 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 884 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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 1976 BMW 3.3 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. 1976 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1976 BMW 3.3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 3.3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 3295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2800 mm |
