1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2003 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 410 kg more than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Fiat |
| Model | Corvette | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1472 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 47 L |
