1980 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 380 kg more than 1980 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chrysler 1609 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1609 | E |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1812 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
