1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1979 Saab 900 is newer by 19 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Saab 900 (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Saab 900 weights approximately 640 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, 1979 Saab 900, 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, 1979 Saab 900 (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Saab 900 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 | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 900 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2530 mm |
