2002 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 100 kg more than 2002 Fiat Barchetta.
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, 2002 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Fiat Barchetta | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barchetta | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2520 mm |
