1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 50 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 965 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. 2009 BMW 523 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. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 523 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 82 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 | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2890 mm |
