1997 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1958 Ford Consul
To start off, 1997 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1958 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford Consul weights approximately 29 kg more than 1997 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1958 Ford Consul 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 1958 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Fiat Barchetta | 1958 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Barchetta | Consul |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1702 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1089 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2660 mm |
