1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 42 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Elise weights approximately 146 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise 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 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Elise |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 38 L |
