1999 BMW 323 vs. 2003 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2003 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 368 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 1999 BMW 323 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 1999 BMW 323. 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2003 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 323 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 47 L |
