1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 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 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 465 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2560 mm |
