Performance Review: Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite - [1972]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Dodge Charger Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite is the 3 speed / Auto 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 Charger 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 Charger 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 Charger's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon 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 1712 kgs (3774 lbs) this makes the Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Dodge Charger shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 7206cc 16V V8 engine produces 284 bhp (211 kW) @ 280 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 375 lb-ft (508.4 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6 (190.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Dodge Charger.

The Dodge Charger has a Power to weight ratio of 165.8 bhp per ton and 219.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1972 Charger competing with the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6 (190.8 bhp per ton) or the 1970 Ford Falcon 4th Gen 351 V8 4-speed (190.5 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 Charger generating around 219.0 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 2006 Mercedes CLS Class 63 AMG (244.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 1985 TVR 390 SE 3.9l V8 (243.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.5 secs, this made the Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite as fast as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (6.30 secs) the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (6.30 secs) the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (6.30 secs) the or the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo 5 door (6.30 secs). This Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite is also faster than the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2012 Subaru Forester STi tS 2.5L Turbo (6.40 secs) the and the 2011 Honda Civic 2.0i 16v VTEC Type R - FN2 (6.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Charger and the 1958 Aston-Martin DB4 1958

When talking about the performance of the Dodge Charger on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.02 secs @ 91.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1958 Aston-Martin DB4 1958 (14.95 secs), the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 (14.95 secs), and the 2012 Subaru Forester STi tS 2.5L Turbo (14.95 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1972 version of the Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite has a maximum speed of 131mph.

Top Speed of the 1972 Charger equals the 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (142 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1972 Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite then how about the 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (142 mph), the 2013 Seat Leon SC 2.0 TDI FR (142 mph), or the 2013 Lexus IS 350 (142 mph).

Related Links:

1972 Charger Rivals List.

A Brief History of Dodge

Car Comparison