| Chrysler-Plymouth
Division Chrysler Corporation Detroit, Michigan |
| Engine |
290-hp, 383
cu. in. V-8 |
| Transmission |
3-speed automatic |
| Steering |
Power-assisted |
| Suspension |
Standard |
| Brakes |
Drum F, Drum R |
Check
list |
| Engine |
| Throttle Response |
Good |
| Noise Insulation |
Excellent |
| Drive
train |
| Shift Linkage |
Very
Good |
| Shift Smoothness |
Good |
| Steering |
| Effort |
Very
Good |
| Response |
Very
Good |
| Handling |
| Predictability |
Very
Good |
| Evasive Maneuverability |
Good |
| Brakes |
| Directional Stability |
Good |
| Fade Resistance |
Good |
| Interior |
| Ease of Entry/Exit |
Very
Good |
| Driving Position |
Good |
| Front Seating Comfort |
Very
Good |
| Rear Seating Comfort |
Good |
| General |
| Vision |
Good |
| Heater/ Defroster |
Excellent |
| Weather Sealing |
Very
Good |
| Trunk Space |
Very
Good |
|
Once the backbone
of the American auto industry, the full-size car has become
g- sort of step-child--unloved, uninspired and unadvertised
(except when loaded down with optional trim packages, a highperformance
engine, a super sexy interior-the works). A standout exception
to this trend is the Chrysler Newport. Even in its most basic
form-and that means a 290-hp, 383 cu. in. V-8--it offers distinctive
styling along with adequate performance. And at 4 price that
is comparable, if not directly competitive with the top-of-the-line
offerings from Chevy, -Ford and even sister-division Plymouth,
it's hard to find a better deal. Your image won't suffer in
suburbia with the Newport. The
383 cu. in. V-8 is not going to appeal to the performance-minded
(there's an optional 440 cu. in. V-8, however, that will),
but you can keep up with traffic and still have something
left for passing maneuvers-all of this on regular-grade gasoline.
Not as softly suspended as a luxury car, but offering a smooth
and silent ride nevertheless, the Newport handles better than
most of its peers. Unfortunately, Chrysler has not seen fit
to equip the big car with disc brakes and the drums don't
pack the arresting power or the staying power that is necessary. |
