1959 Austin-Healey 3000 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 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 2,911 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 weights approximately 18 kg more than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 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, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 1976 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chrysler |
| Model | 3000 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 91.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 65 L |
