1968 Volvo 145 vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Volvo 145 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volvo 145 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1978 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, 1968 Volvo 145 (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1968 Volvo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volvo 145 | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Volvo | Chrysler |
| Model | 145 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1778 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2670 mm |
