1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Citi 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Citi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Citi (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Citi weights approximately 270 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, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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 Volkswagen Citi (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Citi 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 Volkswagen Citi | |
Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
Model | Spider Riviera | Citi |
Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 785 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 47 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 57 Nm | 131 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |