1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 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 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 885 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 Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 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 | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2500 mm |
