1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1980 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1980 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 21 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 1,812 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chrysler 1609 (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 490 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. Let's talk about torque, 1980 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Chrysler 1609 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 | 1980 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Abarth | Chrysler |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1812 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
