Performance Review: Dodge Coronet Hardtop R/T 7.2L V8 440 - [1968]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Dodge Coronet Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Dodge Coronet Hardtop R/T 7.2L V8 440 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1968. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1969 McLaren M6 GT 5.7 V8 and the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.This particular Dodge Coronet 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 Coronet 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 Coronet'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 1726 kgs (3805 lbs) this makes the Dodge Coronet Hardtop R/T 7.2L V8 440 in the same weight category as the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2 V8 Auto or the give or take 50kg.

The Dodge Coronet 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 380 bhp (283 kW) @ 4600 rpm similar to the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp) or the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo (360 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 480 lb-ft (650.7 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 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 5.5 V8 C8 (460 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne 4.8 V8 Turbo S (244.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Dodge Coronet.

The Dodge Coronet has a Power to weight ratio of 220.1 bhp per ton and 278.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1968 Coronet competing with the 2013 Porsche Cayenne 4.8 V8 Turbo S (244.6 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 4.8 V8 (244.6 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 Coronet generating around 278.0 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 2017 Mercedes E Class 63 S AMG 4Matic Estate (302.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2016 Jaguar F Type SVR 5.0 V8 (302.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.3 secs, this made the Dodge Coronet Hardtop R/T 7.2L V8 440 as fast as the 2017 Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.10 secs) the 2017 Hyundai i30 N 2.0 Turbo (6.10 secs) the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 SDV6 300 (6.10 secs) the or the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTI 2.0 Turbo DSG (6.10 secs). This Dodge Coronet Hardtop R/T 7.2L V8 440 is also faster than the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ-R 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TDi SCR 4Motion (6.20 secs) the and the 2014 Peugeot 208 Gti 1.6 Turbo 30th (6.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Coronet and the 1999 Audi A6 S6 4.2 Quattro

When talking about the performance of the Dodge Coronet on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.5 secs @ 101.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1999 Audi A6 S6 4.2 Quattro (13.44 secs), the 2008 Mercedes SLK Class 350 Auto (13.45 secs), and the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 (13.45 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1968 version of the Dodge Coronet Hardtop R/T 7.2L V8 440 has a maximum speed of 109mph.

Top Speed of the 1968 Coronet 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 1968 Dodge Coronet Hardtop R/T 7.2L V8 440 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:

1968 Coronet Rivals List.

A Brief History of Dodge

Car Comparison