1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1997 BMW S3
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 38 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW S3 weights approximately 758 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, 1997 BMW S3 (330 Nm) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 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 | 1997 BMW S3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | S3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
