1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1979 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1979 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,811 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. 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, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200. 1979 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1200 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1979 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Fiat | Chrysler |
| Model | 1200 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 1811 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2670 mm |
