1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2004 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2004 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ferrari 308 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 1978 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (162 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2004 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | 308 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 47 L |
