1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1984 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1984 Vauxhall Nova 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 991 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Vauxhall Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1984 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera should accelerate faster than 1984 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Vauxhall Nova weights approximately 130 kg more than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera.
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 Vauxhall Nova, 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 Vauxhall Nova (68 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1984 Vauxhall Nova 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 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Abarth | Vauxhall |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Nova |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2350 mm |
