1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1996 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 310 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 1981 Ford Falcon. 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, 1981 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Barchetta | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3273 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2830 mm |
