Performance Review: Dodge Challenger R/T 440 7.2 V8 - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Dodge Challenger Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Dodge Challenger R/T 440 7.2 V8 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1970. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS and the 1970 Iso Grifo Can-Am 7.4 V8.This particular Dodge Challenger has a 7206cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Challenger shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Challenger's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1665 kgs (3670 lbs) this makes the Dodge Challenger R/T 440 7.2 V8 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Dodge Challenger shares the same bhp with the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp)

In terms of power the 7206cc 16V V8 engine produces 390 bhp (290 kW) @ 4700 rpm similar to the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp) or the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (395 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 490 lb-ft (664.3 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (470 lb-ft) or the 2023 BMW 3 Series M3 CS 3.0 Twin Turbo G80 (479 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Dodge Challenger you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive (259.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Dodge Challenger.

The Dodge Challenger has a Power to weight ratio of 234.2 bhp per ton and 294.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 Challenger competing with the 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive (259.2 bhp per ton) or the 2005 BMW 6 Series M6 Convertible 2d SMG E64 (259.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Dodge Challenger generating around 294.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2020 Koenigsegg Gemera 2.0 Turbo Petrol Hybrid (318.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2014 Tesla Model S P100D Ludicrous Performance (318.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.9 secs, this made the Dodge Challenger R/T 440 7.2 V8 as fast as the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (5.70 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Wagon (5.70 secs) the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi 2.0 Turbo Clubsport (5.70 secs) the or the 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 (5.70 secs). This Dodge Challenger R/T 440 7.2 V8 is also faster than the 2021 KIA K5 GT 2.5 Turbo (5.80 secs) the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD 3.5 V6 (5.80 secs) the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 (5.80 secs) the and the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 DSG (5.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Challenger and the 1968 Ford XL XL Fastback 427

When talking about the performance of the Dodge Challenger on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.23 secs @ 103.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1968 Ford XL XL Fastback 427 (13.17 secs), the 2004 Lotus Exige S2 1.8 (13.19 secs), and the 2018 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy EDC (13.19 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1970 version of the Dodge Challenger R/T 440 7.2 V8 has a maximum speed of 109mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 Challenger equals the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 7.2 V8 then how about the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph), the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (120 mph), or the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Coupe 2.4 16V (120 mph).

Related Links:

1970 Challenger Rivals List.

A Brief History of Dodge

Car Comparison