1998 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1998 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Fiat Barchetta (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 58 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Barchetta | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | Barchetta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
