1978 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1987 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 9 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 414 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.
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, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609. 1987 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1978 Chrysler 1609 has manual transmission. 1978 Chrysler 1609 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler 1609 | 1987 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
| Model | 1609 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1504 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2820 mm |
