Dodge Classics Challenger and Charger, Then and Now
Calling all American muscle car enthusiasts, Mopar fans and Dodge car lovers! Let’s take a quick look at the past Challenger and the Charger models and see how they compare to the current 2016 models available today.
Dodge Challenger: Now and Then
Then: The Dodge Challenger is an iconic classic car that originated in 1970. When it was first made available, it was possible to walk into the dealership and buy a brand new Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi V-8 for $4,488.20. The Challengers of the 1970s had a powerful V8 engine that offered a lot of torque and speed that helped the vehicle reach 60 mph in about six seconds. Though powerful, production of the original Challenger didn’t last long. However, the limited production of the Challengers, makes the few that are left a hot (and expensive) car to own.
Now: Making a return to production lines in 2008, the Dodge Challenger available today is faster and more expensive than the classic. The starting price for the Challenger R/T trim, which is the trim that was available in the 70s is just over $33,000, but there are other Challenger trims that cost over $60,000. The Challenger R/T is equipped with a 5.7-liter, HEMI engine and it can reach 60 mph in about five seconds.
Dodge Charger: Now and Then
Then: The original Dodge Charger became popular in the late-1960s and it made quite an impression on buyers and manufacturers after it broke records for reaching speeds of 200 mph. Back in the day, the original 2-door V-8 base model Charger was sold in dealerships for around $3,000. The original Dodge Charger weighed 3,225 pounds, and would have taken around 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph.
Now: The 2016 Dodge Charger is a 4-door, taller in height, yet shorter in length and width, faster, and more expensive version of the classic Chargers of the 60s and 70s. Today, there are seven different Charger trims available and drastically range in price and engine specs. The most basic Charger trim, the Charger SE, costs just under $28,000 and takes an average of 6.5 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. However the Charger SRT Hellcat, equipped with a 707-horsepower engine, can compete with the engines and race times of the most expensive luxury imports, but at a fraction of the cost and with a strong American history behind it.
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