1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2001 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2001 Skoda Octavia 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Skoda Octavia (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 675 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, 2001 Skoda Octavia, 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, 2001 Skoda Octavia (214 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Skoda Octavia 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 | 2001 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Abarth | Skoda |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
