1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang 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 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 937 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 4655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2580 mm |
