Re: 41 driving characteristics

Posted by RogerDetroit On 2014/12/22 10:05:07

I own two 1941 Packards: a 120 business coupe and a 160 convertible sedan - only the 160 has overdrive. At 3,385 pounds the business coupe was the lightest 120 body style made that year. At 4,140 pounds the convertible sedan was among the heaviest bodies styles made. That said, the power/weight ratio is very close for the two. The 120 has 15" wheels with radial tires and the 160 has 16" wheels with bias-ply tires.

My general sense is that the 120 seems a modestly peppier both off the line and around a corner, but not as if I've actually measured this. I am not trying to win any lap money when I am driving my Packards.

I can tell you that the front sway bar is somewhat small (5/8") in diameter (as compared to today's cars) and they are NOT interchangeable between the 120 and 160. Part number for a 120 bar is different for a 160. So the front suspension must be different.