The '09 Dodge Challenger is out in the mags (C&D, R&T, etc.) in "Preview" type stories. This thing is huge -- wider than the Dodge Charger, whose platform is its jumping off point. I got to wondering how it compares to that old battleship of a ponycar, the '71-'73 Mustang. Here's what I found:
'09 Challenger vs. '71-'73 Mustang:
Length: 197.8 vs. 189.5 Height: 57.0 vs. 50.1 Width: 75.7 vs. 74.1 Wheelbase: 116.0 vs. 109.0 Weight: 4150 vs. 3300
Regarding performance, it's generally agreed that the '71 Boss 351 was the quickest of this third generation, and possibly the quickest stock Mustang of the classic era. Although stock performance is a recurring bone of contention around here, it's safe to say that a Boss 351 (352 ci, 330 hp @ 5400, 370 lb-ft @ 4000) could run 0-60 in about 5.8 and that a good one will do 13.8 in the quarter. Top speed was 135-145 mph. Regarding the '09 Charger (370 ci, 425 hp @ 6200, 420 lb-ft @
4800), C&D estimates that it will do 0-60 in 4.7, 13.1 in the quarter, and top out at 173.Oh, and Dodge estimates mpg of 13/18. That 18 mpg highway of course depends on an O.D. tranny, something that the classic Mustang never got. With a 1:1 top gear I'm guessing the Challenger would be on a par with, or less efficient than, a Boss 351.
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