1993 De Tomaso Guara Barchetta Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 2030 mm (79.9 inches), the De Tomaso Guara Barchetta is wider than many standard road cars, which influences both drivability and parking. The generous width enhances cornering grip and stability, crucial for a high-performance roadster. However, in tight urban environments or narrow streets, this wider footprint requires more caution when maneuvering, particularly in parallel parking or tight parking spaces. Drivers accustomed to compact cars may find it challenging in congested areas, but the width also means the car feels planted and secure on highways and open roads.

The Guara Barchetta's dimensions of 4190 mm in length, 2030 mm in width, and 1180 mm in height mean it is relatively compact in length and very low in height, but quite wide. Most standard residential garages typically measure around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (approximately 7.9 to 8.9 feet) in width and about 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) in length. The Guara’s width of 2.03 meters (about 6.7 feet) fits within those limits comfortably, leaving some clearance on the sides for doors to open. Thus, it can fit into a typical garage, but owners should ensure garage width is closer to or above the 2.4 meters mark to allow easy access and reduce risk of scratches or dents, especially considering any additional clearance needed for mirrors or door openings.

The Guara Barchetta stands at a notably low height of just 1180 mm (46.5 inches), which contributes significantly to its aerodynamic efficiency and sporty feel. This low profile lowers the center of gravity, improving stability during high-speed cornering and enhancing handling precision. Drivers experience a connected feel to the road, with reduced body roll and more responsive feedback. However, the low height also impacts visibility for drivers both inside the car and for others on the road when spotting the car, necessitating extra caution in traffic. Additionally, the low-slung design requires attention when entering/exiting the vehicle and driving over speed bumps or steep inclines.

The De Tomaso Guara Barchetta is equipped with 245/40 ZR18 tires, a relatively wide and low-profile tire specification. The 245 mm width provides a substantial contact patch with the road, improving grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering. The 40 aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of tire width) results in shorter sidewalls, which increases sidewall stiffness and responsiveness, contributing to sharper handling characteristics. The 18-inch rim diameter supports larger brake components and improved ride quality. Together, this tire setup ensures high-performance handling dynamics suitable for a sporty roadster like the Guara.

The De Tomaso Guara Barchetta was a limited production roadster model introduced in 1993, and it doesn't have a direct predecessor in the same model line, as it was originally designed as a successor conceptualized to resurrect De Tomaso’s presence in the sports car segment. However, comparing it broadly to earlier De Tomaso cars like the Pantera (produced 1971–1992), the Guara is smaller in length and height but wider. For example, the Pantera was about 4500 mm (177 inches) long, so the Guara's 4190 mm length makes it more compact and nimble. This reduction in size coupled with the Barchetta’s low height and wide stance reflects an evolution toward a more focused, agile roadster design.

In comparison with other 1990s sports roadsters, such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) or Porsche Boxster (986), the De Tomaso Guara Barchetta is significantly wider and lower in height. For instance, the first-gen Mazda MX-5 was about 3970 mm (156 inches) long, 1670 mm (65.7 inches) wide, and around 1230 mm (48.5 inches) tall. The Guara's width of 2030 mm (about 80 inches) is substantially broader, offering greater road-holding capacity. Its low height of 1180 mm (46.5 inches) is even lower than many competitors, emphasizing its supercar-like feel. While slightly longer than the Miata, it's shorter than some other roadsters. This combination makes the Guara a unique blend of supercar width and height with relatively compact length.

While exact curb weight figures for the De Tomaso Guara Barchetta can vary depending on specifications, it typically weighs around 1200 to 1300 kg (approximately 2645 to 2866 lbs). This relatively lightweight construction, achieved through the use of advanced materials and a focus on minimalism, considerably benefits acceleration, handling, and braking performance. A lower weight improves power-to-weight ratio, making the car more responsive and agile, which is crucial for a high-performance roadster. It also aids fuel efficiency and allows the suspension to work more effectively, providing a connected driving experience.

The De Tomaso Guara Barchetta is a two-seat roadster designed primarily for performance and driver engagement, not for passenger comfort or cargo hauling. With its compact dimensions—only 4190 mm in length and a notably low 1180 mm height—the cabin space is tight and focused, accommodating two occupants snugly. Passenger comfort centers on an intimate cockpit experience rather than spaciousness. Cargo capacity is very limited due to the roadster body style and the emphasis on minimalism; the trunk space is typically sufficient only for small bags or essentials, making it less practical for larger luggage or long trips. The emphasis is clearly on driving enjoyment rather than utility.

The De Tomaso Guara Barchetta, with a wide 2030 mm (79.9 inches) stance and low height, handles exceptionally well on twisty roads due to its low center of gravity and broad tire contact patch. However, its relatively wide body, while beneficial for stability and grip, requires careful maneuvering on narrow or constricted roads. The low profile and precise steering response deliver confidence in corners and at higher speeds, making it well-suited for dynamic driving on curvy routes. Drivers should be mindful of the vehicle’s width when confronting tight spaces or narrow lanes, but overall, the Guara Barchetta is engineered for spirited driving experiences.