Dodge Charger v Ford Magnum / Uk journalists' review

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Top marks for both.

Discuss.

DAS

For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling

Reply to
Dori A Schmetterling
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I think that a '70-'72 Challenger looks better than any Charger.

Want to hear a big-block? MoParFest (near Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario, usually the third week of August).

There's been quite a lot written about the movie Bullitt, and it's generally accepted that the Charger had to operate below it's full potential so the Mustang wouldn't get too far left behind. That comes directly from those involved in the film.

I would have thought that a UK journalist would be pissing all over any US muscle car from the 60's because of their poor handling in the curves.

Reply to
MoPar Man

They are well aware of the limitations, e.g.

"The Mustang should have the advantage of being lighter, nimbler and better. But it doesn't because it handles every bit as badly as the Dodge: the weight is distributed wrongly, the live rear axle was a liability on the damp Silverstone track, and it's held together by pop rivets and paint."

But I think both got seduced by the raw power and wonderful sound.

"But if the weather is fine and the road straight and open, it will introduce you to a form of automotive enjoyment you may not have suspected even existed. You'll put your shades on and watch as your left arm instinctively finds the window sill. You'll wish you smoked, if only to provide a few empty Marlboro packets to spread over the top of the dash. And you'll waft along on just a trace of throttle, the mighty V8 rumbling ahead of you.

DAS

For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling

Reply to
Dori A Schmetterling

Try that in a 300C and you'll get a cramp in your neck.

Someone's seen a few too many american movies eh?

Been there, done that (and should do it again this summer).

You EU's just don't know what it's like to have 6+ liters and a tourqeflite under the hood.

:)

Reply to
MoPar Man

"Dori A Schmetterling" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@pipex.net:

This is why "muscle cars" will always be around in one form or another. They're addicting.

Exactly. Not to mention the unbelievable feeling all that torque gives you. Just fantastic.

Joe

Reply to
Joe

I respectfully disagree. The Challenger is certainly a beauty, but the Barracuda is prettier and the Charger is (indeed) the best-proportioned and most finely detailed of all. EVERYTHING about the Charger styling just works. The Challenger mostly does, but the recessed grille is a little wrong. Makes it look like a turtle's beak. Likewise, the 68-70 Coronet just isn't quite as nice as the Charger (and I say this as a '69 Coronet R/T owner!). The recessed headlamps are much better than the Coronet's exposed ones, and the simple front hood leading edge (viewed from above) is nicer than the Coronet's more complex hood leading edge. From the windshield back, they're very similar, but even there the little differences matter- the Charger's rear pillar "buttresses" are wonderful, even if they had the aerodymics of a parachute!

And I disagree with the article too- the Charger that replaced the 68-70 models is *not* "ugly." Its not AS pretty, and its not AS good an implementation as its contemporary Plymouth (the 71-73 GTX, Roadrunner, and Satellite), but its certainly not ugly!

Reply to
Steve

Its not just power and sound, its the whole package. NOTHING drives like a muscle car. They may have some ill manners, but that's part of what makes them interesting and fun. And when you're not pushing them, but are just cruising, its amazing how quiet, smooth, and gentle they become. They revert to what they started out as- comfy family cars.

Reply to
Steve

Been there, done that.... on my way to work this morning :-)

OK- so it was my 4-door '66 Polara daily driver, but it still has the

440 and Torqueflite :-)

7.2 Liters.

Amen brother. Amen.

Reply to
Steve

That's why they have "throttle-on oversteer". :þ

Reply to
mrdancer

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