I'm not doubting you at all, but am shocked that an Arrow with the sad Mitsu 2.6 was the best Chrysler could do at the time.Back in 1980 I owned the fastest car Chrysler Corp sold- a 1979 Plymouth Arrow GT 2.6; 0 to 60 in a blistering 10 seconds flat. It averaged 25 mpg.
43 years later I have a 4 door sedan that weighs @1,200 lbs. more and runs 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds; it also averages 25 mpg.
I hate progress.
1979 was a low point for Mopar - the Leanburn system was very problematic, the company faced bankruptcy, and the K-Cars were still a year out.