1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1990 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1990 Ford Fiesta is newer by 31 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Fiesta (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 300 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, 1990 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1990 Ford Fiesta (183 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Fiesta 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 | 1990 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
