1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 16 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 595 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 2012 BMW M3 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 2012 BMW M3. 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | Barchetta | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2761 mm |
