1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 412 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Abarth | Chrysler |
| Model | 1000 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2670 mm |
