You know what they say – there’s nothing new under the sun. Right? Well, this race may just prove which generation built the best Dodge Challenger. Take a look below and see these two head-to-head drivers compete on the speedway to determine just how much mettle the new Challenger has – or is it still in the hands of the driver?
These two racers, presumably a couple, brought out their 1970 340 Challenger T/A and 6.2 L Challenger SRT8 out onto a regulation strip to test out which one was indeed the better car. You should also watch what happens when Dodge races a Peterbilt Coga. While undoubtedly the 1970 model came out ahead, it also seemed like the handling was largely in the hands of the more highly skilled driver. Let’s get a breakdown, shall we?
Side by Side Comparison: 1970 vs. 2013 Dodge Challenger
The newer 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 boasts an impressive Supercharged 6.2L Hemi® SRT Hellcat V8 engine capable of 707 horsepower and 650 lb ft of torque. That’s nothing to wag a finger at. And with an average speed of 108 mph at the quarter mile mark – it definitely held up to its reputation as a pure muscle car.
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The 1970 model, on the other hand, holds a coveted place amongst muscle car enthusiasts to this day for its acclaimed Six Pack 340. Only 2,399 T/As were made and yet this 290
The 1970 model, on the other hand, holds a coveted place amongst muscle car enthusiasts to this day for its acclaimed Six Pack 340. Only 2,399 T/As were made and yet this 290 hp engine stands no where close to the metrics proposed by this newer, younger model lineup. However, even with a severely understated get up and go ability, this vehicle still managed to stand toe-to-toe with greats such as the Camaro Z/28 and the Ford Boss 302 Mustang. A big advantage, and what probably took this older Challenger into the lead, was its high torque gear ratio for its manual transmission and the full usage of all 290 horses.
What’s hilarious, in consideration, is that the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A wasn’t even considered the big race and track version of the vehicle back in the day. That accolade was left to the R/T model to which it was specifically designed with racing in mind. The T/A model came about merely as a way for Dodge to enter into sedan races it otherwise wouldn’t have been eligible to compete in. Needless to say, the less popular model still managed to take down a vehicle with nearly three times the available horsepower.
Barn and Bargain Hunters Search High and Low for the Classic Challenger
In many cases, the classic Dodge Challengers present an awesome avenue for bargain hunters looking to recover the lost glory (and money) these cars once commanded. Often left abandoned in barns and backyards by long lost owners, they’ve become a coveted piece of treasure for those looking to restore a classic. However, by the time the second generation of Challengers arrived on the scene – 1978 to 1983 – they became much less desirable. Some attribute it to the change in manufacturers and others simply ascribe it to Dodge cutting corners. Whichever the case, it really wasn’t until 2008 when the newest series hit the market. By this point, many of the oldest ones constructed in the early 70s had been laid to waste in overgrown backyards, boneyards, and scrap metal yards. This presents itself as a fantastic opportunity for burgeoning mechanics and auto enthusiasts to have the opportunity to restore a vintage Challenger back to peak condition. In most cases, it requires searching high and low for the proper replacement parts and even the refabrication of mechanical, interior and exterior parts. It’s well worth it, though, for a smooth running 1970 Challenger can command easily around $30k in auctions. If it contains original documentation and has been well maintained, that price easily skyrockets into the six figures range. The old version, though, in all its glory and pitfalls – in terms of repair and maintenance – still commands the warm seat at nearly any sport racing event. In both cases, the Dodge Challengers (1st and 3rd generations) are desirable for the good, raw machinery placed within them as well as the many options to upgrade.
What’s your opinion of the newest (and oldest) Dodge Challenger? Do you think you would have performed differently on the track? Tell us about it in the comments section below – we’d be glad to hear from you.
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