1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 39 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 485 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider Riviera | A |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
