Performance Review: Dodge Challenger R/T 426 7.0 V8 Hemi - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Dodge Challenger Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Dodge Challenger R/T 426 7.0 V8 Hemi 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 6974cc 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 1655 kgs (3648 lbs) this makes the Dodge Challenger R/T 426 7.0 V8 Hemi 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 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (450 bhp)

In terms of power the 6974cc 16V V8 engine produces 425 bhp (316 kW) @ 3000 rpm similar to the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (450 bhp) or the 2020 Lotus Evora GT410 3.5 V6 Supercharged (410 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 490 lb-ft (664.3 Nm) @ 4000 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 Porsche 911 Dakar 3.0 Turbo 992 II (281.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Dodge Challenger.

The Dodge Challenger has a Power to weight ratio of 256.7 bhp per ton and 296.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 Challenger competing with the 2022 Porsche 911 Dakar 3.0 Turbo 992 II (281.5 bhp per ton) or the 1997 Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta (281.5 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 296.0 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 2016 Mercedes E Class 63 S AMG 4Matic Saloon (320.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Mercedes CLK DTM Cabriolet (320.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.6 secs, this made the Dodge Challenger R/T 426 7.0 V8 Hemi as fast as the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2019 Jaguar F Type 2.0 Turbo Cabriolet (5.40 secs) the or the 2019 Jaguar F Type 2.0 Turbo (5.40 secs). This Dodge Challenger R/T 426 7.0 V8 Hemi is also faster than the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost (5.50 secs) the 2017 Honda Civic Type R 2.0i 16v Turbo - FK8 (5.50 secs) the 2017 Seat Leon SC Cupra 300 (5.50 secs) the and the 2017 Seat Leon Cupra 300 DSG (5.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Challenger and the 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124

When talking about the performance of the Dodge Challenger on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.83 secs @ 106.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124 (12.80 secs), the 2019 Toyota Supra GR RZ 3.0 Turbo (12.81 secs), and the 2017 BMW X6 xDrive50i 4.4 V8 F16 (12.81 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1970 version of the Dodge Challenger R/T 426 7.0 V8 Hemi has a maximum speed of 117mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 Challenger equals the 1993 Bentley Brooklands 4d (128 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 426 7.0 V8 Hemi then how about the 1993 Bentley Brooklands 4d (128 mph), the 1971 Dodge Dart Demon Sport Coupe 5.5 V8 340 (128 mph), or the 1966 Buick Riviera 6.6l V8 (128 mph).

Related Links:

1970 Challenger Rivals List.

A Brief History of Dodge

Car Comparison