USA vs USA — 1934 vs 1963
| Airflow CU Imperial | Turbine Car Gas Turbine | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | — | 425 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,301 cc | — |
| 0-60 mph | — | 12.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 95 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 18.0 sec |
| Weight | 4,700 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 5,334 mm | 5,090 mm |
| Units Produced | 29,478 | 55 |
| Original MSRP | $1,345 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
The 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering higher top speed, lighter weight, greater rarity. The 1934 Chrysler Airflow CU Imperial counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1934 Chrysler Airflow CU Imperial and 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine share a manufacturer in Chrysler, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Chrysler brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1934 Chrysler Airflow CU Imperial producing 130 hp and the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine delivering 130 hp. The engine configurations differ significantly — a Inline-8 L-head in the Chrysler Airflow versus a Gas turbine (4th generation A-831) in the Chrysler Turbine Car. The 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine claims a higher top speed at 120 mph compared to 95 mph. The Chrysler Turbine Car carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 800 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 55 units built, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine is considerably scarcer than the Chrysler Airflow's 29,478 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine commands a significant premium over the 1934 Chrysler Airflow CU Imperial, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.