1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1978 Autobianchi A 112
To start off, 1978 Autobianchi A 112 is newer by 19 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 901 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Autobianchi A 112 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 47 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Autobianchi A 112 weights approximately 65 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, 1978 Autobianchi A 112, 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, 1978 Autobianchi A 112 (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Autobianchi A 112 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 | 1978 Autobianchi A 112 | |
| Make | Abarth | Autobianchi |
| Model | Spider Riviera | A 112 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2040 mm |
