1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera
To start off, 1962 Abarth 600 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera would be higher. At 980 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Abarth 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Abarth 600 (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (47 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera weights approximately 27 kg more than 1962 Abarth 600.
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, 1962 Abarth 600 (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera. (57 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1962 Abarth 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1959 Abarth Spider Riviera | |
| Make | Abarth | Abarth |
| Model | 600 | Spider Riviera |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2010 mm |
