1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 590 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, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (261 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Abarth | Mini |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
