2000 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2000 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2000 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1981 Volvo 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 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Barchetta | 240 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2660 mm |
