1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2005 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Opel Meriva 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Meriva weights approximately 755 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, 2005 Opel Meriva, 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, 2005 Opel Meriva (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Meriva 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 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2840 mm |
