2008 BMW 525 vs. 1998 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 2008 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1998 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 525 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2280 mm |
