1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 is newer by 53 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 1040 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, 2012 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 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 | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 135 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2659 mm |
