2004 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2004 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (162 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Barchetta | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | Barchetta | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 70 L |
