1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 680 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 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 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 240 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2660 mm |
