1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 305 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Passat (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2400 mm |
