1998 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1998 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Fiat Barchetta (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1998 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Barchetta | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barchetta | 240 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3430 mm |
