2004 BMW 318 vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 28 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 255 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 1976 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 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:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 318 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
