1998 Acura NSX vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1998 Acura NSX is newer by 20 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura NSX weights approximately 370 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.
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, 1998 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609. 1978 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1998 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Acura NSX 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:
| 1998 Acura NSX | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Acura | Chrysler |
| Model | NSX | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2670 mm |
