1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 28 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 960 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | Spider Riviera | 520 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
