1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1010 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 62 L |
