Performance Review: Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 - [1972]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Dodge Challenger Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 is the 3 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1972. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1973 Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS and the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.This particular Dodge Challenger has a 5565cc 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 1567 kgs (3454 lbs) this makes the Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 in the same weight category as the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Stradale 4.0 V8 Hybrid or the give or take 50kg.

The Dodge Challenger shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 5565cc 16V V8 engine produces 240 bhp (178 kW) @ 4800 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged (243 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 290 lb-ft (393.1 Nm) @ 3600 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 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 2014 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (178.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Dodge Challenger.

The Dodge Challenger has a Power to weight ratio of 153.1 bhp per ton and 185.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1972 Challenger competing with the 2014 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (178.1 bhp per ton) or the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera (178.1 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 185.0 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 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STI V6 - Classic JDM (210.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX - Classic JDM (210.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.7 secs, this made the Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 as fast as the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (7.50 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue Wagon (7.50 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD Variant 2.0 TDi DSG (7.50 secs) the or the 2017 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT Premium (7.50 secs). This Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 is also faster than the 2013 BMW i3 0.6l Hybrid (7.60 secs) the 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth 1.4 Turbo (7.60 secs) the 2011 Abarth 500C 1.4 Turbo (7.60 secs) the and the 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi (7.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Challenger and the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255

When talking about the performance of the Dodge Challenger on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.26 secs @ 89.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 (15.19 secs), the 1957 Mercedes 300 SL II Roadster W198 (15.19 secs), and the 2005 Volkswagen-VW Golf R32 (15.19 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1972 version of the Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 has a maximum speed of 112mph.

Top Speed of the 1972 Challenger equals the 1994 Fiat Punto 1.4 GT (123 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 then how about the 1994 Fiat Punto 1.4 GT (123 mph), the 1986 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 8v (123 mph), or the 1983 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 Convertible (123 mph).

Related Links:

1972 Challenger Rivals List.

A Brief History of Dodge

Car Comparison