1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1984 Honda Civic
To start off, 1984 Honda Civic is newer by 25 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 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Honda Civic (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Honda Civic weights approximately 190 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, 1984 Honda Civic, 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, 1984 Honda Civic (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1984 Honda Civic 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 | 1984 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Abarth | Honda |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Civic |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2210 mm |
