2003 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 178 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 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barchetta | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
