1979 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, both 1979 Chrysler 1609 and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Chrysler 1609. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1979 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 496 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chrysler 1609. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chrysler 1609. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1979 Chrysler 1609 has manual transmission. 1979 Chrysler 1609 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chrysler 1609 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1609 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1811 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2940 mm |
