2002 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 125 kg more than 2002 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Barchetta | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2560 mm |
