1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1982 Ford Escort
To start off, 1982 Ford Escort is newer by 22 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Escort (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Escort weights approximately 314 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, 1982 Ford Escort, 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, 1982 Ford Escort (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Escort 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 | 1982 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 40 L |
