Japan vs Japan — 1963 vs 1968
| Bellett 1600 GT-R | 117 Coupe XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 108 lb-ft | 101 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 1,584 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 10.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 112 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.3 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,962 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,350 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Length | 3,960 mm | 4,280 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 86,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT-R brings higher top speed, lighter weight to the table, and the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC answers with quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Isuzu has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1963 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT-R with the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1963 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT-R producing 120 hp and the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC delivering 120 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Isuzu Bellett uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 1,584 cc, while the Isuzu 117 Coupe relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 1,584 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. The Isuzu Bellett carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 353 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.