1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart is newer by 42 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 1,689 cc, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart (94 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart weights approximately 865 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart (185 Nm) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart 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. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Smart |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 185 Nm |
| 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 | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3230 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2720 mm |
