1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 48 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 1050 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 2007 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 550 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2890 mm |
