1960 Abarth Spider Riviera vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 49 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 1697 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider Riviera | Polo |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 785 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
