1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 353 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera would be higher. At 991 cc (3 cylinders), 1966 Wartburg 353 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera (51 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 353 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera.
Because 1960 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 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 1966 Wartburg 353 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 353 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Abarth | Wartburg |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 353 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 44 L |
