Japan vs Italy — 1968 vs 1969
| 117 Coupe 1600 GT | Lele V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | — | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 5,766 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 7.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,197 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Length | 4,280 mm | 4,520 mm |
| Units Produced | 86,192 | 317 |
| Original MSRP | — | $14,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $180,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1969 Iso Lele V8 answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT versus 1969 Iso Lele V8 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1969 Iso Lele V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 120 hp, a 205-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Isuzu 117 Coupe uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 1,584 cc, while the Iso Lele relies on a V8 OHV with 5,766 cc. The 1969 Iso Lele V8 claims a higher top speed at 146 mph compared to 115 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 317 units built, the 1969 Iso Lele V8 is considerably scarcer than the Isuzu 117 Coupe's 86,192 examples.