Japan vs Japan — 1968 vs 1997
| 117 Coupe XE | VehiCROSS 3.2 V6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 215 hp |
| Torque | 120 lb-ft | 220 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,817 cc | 3,165 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 7.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 112 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,425 lbs | 4,035 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Length | 4,280 mm | 4,145 mm |
| Units Produced | 86,400 | 6,078 |
| Original MSRP | — | $29,225 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XE brings higher top speed, lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1997 Isuzu VehiCROSS 3.2 V6 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Isuzu has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe XE with the 1997 Isuzu VehiCROSS 3.2 V6 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1997 Isuzu VehiCROSS 3.2 V6 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 215 hp compared to 130 hp, a 85-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Isuzu 117 Coupe uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 1,817 cc, while the Isuzu VehiCROSS relies on a V6 DOHC with 3,165 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1997 Isuzu VehiCROSS 3.2 V6 edges ahead at 7.7 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. The Isuzu 117 Coupe carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1610 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 6,078 units built, the 1997 Isuzu VehiCROSS 3.2 V6 is considerably scarcer than the Isuzu 117 Coupe's 86,400 examples.