2003 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 328 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 1996 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 1996 Ford Mustang. 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Barchetta | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Barchetta | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 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 | 1062 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2580 mm |
