1998 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz B (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 310 kg more than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz B 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz B. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz B (280 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Barchetta | 2006 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barchetta | B |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2780 mm |
