1988 BMW 525 vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1976 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 1976 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 525 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 91.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
