1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 944 kg more than 1960 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. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Abarth | Chevrolet |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 4343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2930 mm |
