1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1998 Plymouth Prowler
To start off, 1998 Plymouth Prowler 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 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Plymouth Prowler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Plymouth Prowler (253 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Prowler should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Plymouth Prowler weights approximately 670 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, 1998 Plymouth Prowler (346 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Plymouth Prowler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 1998 Plymouth Prowler 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 Plymouth Prowler will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1998 Plymouth Prowler | |
| Make | Abarth | Plymouth |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Prowler |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 3518 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 253 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2880 mm |
