1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2004 BMW 118
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 45 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 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 118 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 775 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, 2004 BMW 118 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 118 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 | 2004 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 118 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2730 mm |
