1998 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 182 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.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1998 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 1998 Fiat Barchetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Barchetta | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barchetta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2590 mm |
