1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 1998 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 1998 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (377 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ferrari F355 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 Ferrari F355. 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, 1996 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari F355 | 1998 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | F355 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 377 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.1 mm |
| 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 | 1350 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2280 mm |
