1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
To start off, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia is newer by 15 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 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 441 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia weights approximately 425 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia 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 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia. 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, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia | |
| Make | Fiat | Ferrari |
| Model | Barchetta | 458 Italia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 4500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 570 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4526 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1938 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1214 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2649 mm |
