USA vs USA — 1963 vs 1987
| Turbine Car Gas Turbine | LeBaron GTC Turbo Convertible | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 174 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | — | 2,213 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 7.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | 3,050 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,540 mm |
| Length | 5,090 mm | 4,534 mm |
| Units Produced | 55 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $17,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $15,000,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 4/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 5/10 |
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Turbo Convertible emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine counters with stronger collectibility, 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 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine and 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Turbo Convertible 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. The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Turbo Convertible holds a clear advantage in raw power with 174 hp compared to 130 hp, a 44-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 Inline-4 Turbocharged (Turbo II 2.2L) in the Chrysler LeBaron. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Turbo Convertible edges ahead at 7.5 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. The Chrysler LeBaron carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 850 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine commands a significant premium over the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Turbo Convertible, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.