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I don't think that's a very good question. It's more like, which one is better at what. The new models are safer, more fuel efficient, have better interiors, etc. The old ones are great looking car and will get plenty of favoritism simply because they are classics even though are may be pretty awful to actually drive compared to modern cars. If you were to ask me if I'd rather have a classic Charger/Challenger over the modern ones I would say yes not because they were better cars but because modern versions are a dime a dozen and don't have the classic status that seems to increase resale values of classic cars. I think for most people the best part of owning one would be knowing how few of them are actually around and in decent shape. Now would I ever pay for one? No, because to get one in the condition I want would cost a fortune at which point I'd rather get a Viper, Corvette, etc even if they are more common.
I don't think that's a very good question. It's more like, which one is better at what. The new models are safer, more fuel efficient, have better interiors, etc. The old ones are great looking car and will get plenty of favoritism simply because they are classics even though are may be pretty awful to actually drive compared to modern cars. If you were to ask me if I'd rather have a classic Charger/Challenger over the modern ones I would say yes not because they were better cars but because modern versions are a dime a dozen and don't have the classic status that seems to increase resale values of classic cars. I think for most people the best part of owning one would be knowing how few of them are actually around and in decent shape. Now would I ever pay for one? No, because to get one in the condition I want would cost a fortune at which point I'd rather get a Viper, Corvette, etc even if they are more common.
True, it's a simplistic question with many complex answers. For me, the early cars would be my choice as they are definitely the better investment. Well, if you get a good one and take care of it, don't wreck it, even one with few numbers matching and a plain Jane 318 2-V will at worst not go down in value. The Hemi cars, in good numbers matching condition, are so much in demand that really the prices are unrealistic, for that kind of money you can get into a car that would provide a "charismatic and engaging experience" over a greater variety of driving environments - a Ferrari, Aston, Lambo, something like that.
Bit off topic but for my money, the new Mustang is the new pony car to get, followed by the Camaro, with the Challenger in my book taking last place primarily because it's just too damn big and heavy. As Mr. Chapman noted, "...more horsepower makes you faster down the straights, but lighter weight makes you faster everywhere" - and a lighter car is just more fun to drive, more responsive, and does not punish you at the gas pump so severely when your foot gets a bit heavy.
I think the new Mustang GT is so far ahead of the pony car competition in terms of an overall package that the Camaro and Challenger are not worth considering unless you're looking for something other than awesome power and a great chassis. I'm not much of a straight line performance guy but the new GT will spank in a line and in a curve with equal amounts of mercilessness.
The 1968-1970 Charger was by far the best looking Charger. The 1968-1970 Charger is nothing short of a car well designed with very nice body lines and sex appeal like you wouldn't believe. The 1971-1974 models are ok looking, though I think the windows on the 1973-1974 look the best. All other years of the Charger I could care less for, including the first 2 years.
The new Chargers are nothing but a disgrace on the Charger name. I'm sure they probably handle much better than the older Charger, but they are butt ugly as sin and look like something an old fart on viagra would drive. Should have at least gave it a new name instead of resurrecting an old name.
The 1970-1974 Challenger is better looking, the 1970 and 1971 models the best. The new Challenger leaves a lot on the table in the looks department. Not only outside but inside too. If Chrysler would make them a little smaller, the roof a little more slanted and make them lighter, and not have such a plasticy toy car interior, but keep all else they'd have a hit on their hands IMO.
Would be nice if a Chrysler exec were to read this, take a clue and produce something a little better. But they won't because they don't care.
The 1968-1970 Charger was by far the best looking Charger. The 1968-1970 Charger is nothing short of a car well designed with very nice body lines and sex appeal like you wouldn't believe. The 1971-1974 models are ok looking, though I think the windows on the 1973-1974 look the best. All other years of the Charger I could care less for, including the first 2 years.
The new Chargers are nothing but a disgrace on the Charger name. I'm sure they probably handle much better than the older Charger, but they are butt ugly as sin and look like something an old fart on viagra would drive. Should have at least gave it a new name instead of resurrecting an old name.
The 1970-1974 Challenger is better looking, the 1970 and 1971 models the best. The new Challenger leaves a lot on the table in the looks department. Not only outside but inside too. If Chrysler would make them a little smaller, the roof a little more slanted and make them lighter, and not have such a plasticy toy car interior, but keep all else they'd have a hit on their hands IMO.
Would be nice if a Chrysler exec were to read this, take a clue and produce something a little better. But they won't because they don't care.
I agree.
The current Charger just doesn't look like aDodge Charger(especially with having 4-Doors instead of 2)...to me it looks like an Intrepid which the makers at Dodge should've call them.
And as for todays HEMI Engine it's not the same engines as they were way back then, especially since Benz(when Chrysler was merged with Benz) had hands in production of the HEMI.
The only thing I like about the HEMI(although I somewhat like the performance) is the fact that it has a Mult-Displacement System, which the Engine can shut down it's 2 Cylinders and go from a V8 to a V6 depending on speed or by via switch resulting in better fuel efficiany/gas mileage.
I know the current production Challenger is a reference to the 1970's Challenger, but still it's the name of one of the Shuttles that lifted off one time more than it landed, with loss of all hands of course - so to me it's a bit, I don't know, either tasteless or just bad karma - but like Titanic, it seems to me it's a name that should be retired.
That said, this would be like reason # 452 that you can't interest me in buying one. Reason #1 is, in case you missed it, the damn thing is too big and heavy. As in, it weighs too much.
Never really cared for the early Chargers... the new ones aren't so bad.
Now I love the new Challenger, but given a choice I'd much rather have an earlier model.. 70-72 only though. And If it's an earlier model I'm chosing, I'd opt for the 70-72 Cuda over the Challenger.
Color choices would be either Plum Crazy w/white top, white interior , white stripes , with endura bumpers. Second color choice would be Panther Pink.
Now how about the mid-late 70s Chargers/Cordobas/300s haha.
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