1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 46 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 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 780 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | Spider Riviera | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
