2003 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 133 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 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Barchetta | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barchetta | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
