1959 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 54 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 766 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | GTI |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2578 mm |
