1951 Ferrari 212 vs. 1998 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 1998 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 2,562 cc (12 cylinders), 1951 Ferrari 212 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Ferrari 212 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Ferrari 212 should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 136 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Because 1951 Ferrari 212 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 1951 Ferrari 212. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1951 Ferrari 212 (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1951 Ferrari 212 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ferrari 212 | 1998 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | 212 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2562 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2280 mm |
