1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1997 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Escort 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 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Escort weights approximately 470 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, 1997 Ford Escort, 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, 1997 Ford Escort (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
