1990 Rover 400 vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1990 Rover 400 is newer by 12 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 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Rover 400 (94 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1990 Rover 400.
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, 1990 Rover 400, 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, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400. 1978 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1990 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1990 Rover 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Rover 400 | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Rover | Chrysler |
| Model | 400 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2670 mm |
