1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 330 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, 1983 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, 1983 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 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 | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2560 mm |
