1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 129 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 166 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barchetta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2480 mm |
