1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 43 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 680 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider Riviera | SLK |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
