1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2002 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2002 Panoz AIV is newer by 43 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Panoz AIV weights approximately 570 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, 2002 Panoz AIV (408 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Panoz AIV 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 | 2002 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Abarth | Panoz |
| Model | Spider Riviera | AIV |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2660 mm |
