1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 12 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 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 660 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. Let's talk about torque, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 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 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
