1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1997 Volvo C70
To start off, 1997 Volvo C70 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo C70 (190 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo C70 weights approximately 960 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 Volvo C70, 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 Volvo C70 (270 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo C70 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 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | Spider Riviera | C70 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2800 mm |
