1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 1996 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,636 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1958 Rover P4 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 1958 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1958 Rover P4 (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | Barchetta | P4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2830 mm |
