2009 Ferrari F430 vs. 1996 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 4,306 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 354 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ferrari F430 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 2009 Ferrari F430. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2009 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ferrari F430 | 1996 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | F430 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4306 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 483 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2280 mm |
