1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 44 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 726 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. 2004 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 832 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
