1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 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 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 390 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, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta 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 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Abarth | Lancia |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Beta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2360 mm |
