1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 260 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (129 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
