1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1997 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 1997 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,312 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 790 kg more than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1997 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 1997 Fiat Barchetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Caprice | 1997 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Fiat |
| Model | Caprice | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5440 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2280 mm |
