1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 734 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chrysler 1609 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 1978 Chrysler 1609. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Foursome, 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, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (48 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. 1978 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1959 Berkeley Foursome has manual transmission. 1959 Berkeley Foursome will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Chrysler |
| Model | Foursome | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 592 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 48 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2670 mm |
