1966 Fiat 124 vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Fiat 124 (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 147 kg more than 1966 Fiat 124.
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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 124. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 124. 1976 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1966 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1966 Fiat 124 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:
| 1966 Fiat 124 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Fiat | Chrysler |
| Model | 124 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
