1978 Chrysler 1609 vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 34 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 460 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, 2012 Mazda 5, 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, 2012 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609. 2012 Mazda 5 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. 2012 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler 1609 | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | 1609 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2751 mm |
