1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1996 Ford Aspire
To start off, 1996 Ford Aspire is newer by 37 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Aspire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Aspire (63 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Aspire should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Aspire weights approximately 320 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, 1996 Ford Aspire, 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, 1996 Ford Aspire (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Aspire 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 | 1996 Ford Aspire | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Aspire |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
