USA vs USA — 1963 vs 1957
| Turbine Car Gas Turbine | Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | — | 6,767 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 10.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 3,302 mm |
| Length | 5,090 mm | 5,791 mm |
| Units Produced | 55 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $5,598 |
| Value (Excellent) | $15,000,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine offers lighter weight, stronger collectibility, while the 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design counters with more power, quicker acceleration, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
Within the Chrysler stable, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine and 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design represent different approaches to performance and purpose. Both carry the Chrysler badge, yet each carves out its own distinct identity. The 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design holds a clear advantage in raw power with 340 hp compared to 130 hp, a 210-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The engine configurations differ significantly — a Gas turbine (4th generation A-831) in the Chrysler Turbine Car versus a V8 OHV (Chrysler 392/413 Hemi/Wedge) in the Chrysler Imperial Crown. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design edges ahead at 10.0 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. The Chrysler Turbine Car carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1100 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine commands a significant premium over the 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.