1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 30 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1280 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 393 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 500 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
