1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1978 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 400 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 1220 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1978 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Abarth | Ferrari |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 400 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
