1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1255 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 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barchetta | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3001 mm |
