1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 15 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 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 185 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.
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, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
