Japan vs Japan — 1968 vs 1968
| 117 Coupe XE | 117 Coupe XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 120 lb-ft | 101 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,817 cc | 1,584 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 10.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 112 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,425 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Length | 4,280 mm | 4,280 mm |
| Units Produced | 86,400 | 86,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 7/10 |
On balance, the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XE makes a stronger case on paper with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value. However, the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC counters with stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XE for outright capability, or the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Isuzu 117 Coupe. The 1968 and 1968 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XE producing 130 hp and the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC delivering 120 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Isuzu 117 Coupe uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 1,817 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 XE edges ahead at 9.5 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.