1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 195 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.
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, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
