1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1978 Renault 4 is newer by 18 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 1,108 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 4 weights approximately 105 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, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1978 Renault 4 (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 4 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 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 4 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
