1997 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1997 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Fiat Barchetta | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barchetta | 230 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2720 mm |
