1978 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1984 Fiat Panda
To start off, 1984 Fiat Panda is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 1609 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 42 more horse power than 1984 Fiat Panda. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 329 kg more than 1984 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Chrysler 1609. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat Panda. (69 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler 1609 | 1984 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Chrysler | Fiat |
| Model | 1609 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 761 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2180 mm |
