The Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 vs Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 measures 37,2 feet overall (1979), giving it roughly 8,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 at 28,8 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 tips the scales at 17 637 lbs - 10 584 lbs less than the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 at 7 053 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 has a 340-hp advantage over the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979's 60-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 carries 106 gallons versus 66 gallons in the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 has a documented displacement of 17 637 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 has a documented auxiliary engine of 60 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 carries 132 gallons versus 26 gallons on the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 at 37,2 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Barracuda 9 2012 at 28,8 ft is the easier, lower-cost option - simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.