1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1996 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,125 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 344 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1974 Volvo 244 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 1974 Volvo 244. 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, 1974 Volvo 244 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. 1974 Volvo 244 has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat Barchetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 244 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Barchetta | 244 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2650 mm |
