解:$(1)$连接$BD$交$AC$于点$O$
∵在菱形$ABCD$中,$∠ ABC$与$∠ BAD$的度数比为$1:2,$
∴$∠ ABC = 60°,$$∠ BAD = 120°,$$AC⊥ BD。$
∴$∠ ABO = 30°。$
∵菱形$ABCD$的周长是$16,$
∴$AB = BC = DC = AD = 4。$
∴$AO = 2,$则$BO = 2\sqrt {3}。$
故$AC = 4,$$BD = 4\sqrt {3}。$
$(2)$菱形$ABCD$的面积为$\frac {1}{2}AC· BD=\frac {1}{2}×4×4\sqrt {3}=8\sqrt {3}。$