HERE'S WHY THE ORIGINAL DODGE CHARGER WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN THE NEW CHARGER

The original Dodge Charger is a classic American muscle car introduced by the Dodge division of Chrysler Corporation in 1966. It quickly gained popularity becoming an iconic symbol of power and performance during the golden age of muscle cars. We've seen seven generations of the Dodge Charger on the road since 1966, ranging from the well-known General Lee to the present-day modern pony car sedan mix.

The first, second, and third generations (1966-1974) of the Dodge Charger remain highly sought-after collector vehicles and are considered the original of the Chargers. The appeal, unfortunately, dropped off in 1975 when Dodge brought out the fourth-generation Charger as a personal luxury car instead, then as a hatchback coupe for a few years before production stopped completely. After a 20-year hiatus, the Charger came back as the 4-door sedan that we know now.

The old-school Dodge Charger was even featured on the big screen, in movies like The Fast and The Furious and Bullitt, while the modern-day version is well endowed enough to be used by police departments across the nation. So, old school vs new school, which is better? Determining whether the original Dodge Charger is better than the new Dodge Charger is subjective and dependent on personal preferences.

However, some enthusiasts argue that the original holds a special place due to its classic design, historical significance, and the nostalgia it evokes, while others appreciate the modern advancements, improved technology, and performance enhancements of the new Charger.

Ultimately, the choice between the two versions comes down to individual tastes and priorities. While it is true that modern Charges are faster, safer, more comfortable, and more fuel efficient than their predecessor, here are some of the reasons why despite modern advancements, the original Dodge Charger still wins in the end.

Can You Hear And Smell That?

Close your eyes and imagine hearing a 69’ Dodge Charger R/T fire up on a warm summer morning. If you have spent any time at all around American muscle cars, then you know there is something truly special about the roaring sound and wonderfully intoxicating smell that they produce. There is a sense of nostalgia when taking in a deep breath and inhaling the rich smell coming from the exhaust of a classic muscle car.

There are several reasons why old American muscle cars sound and smell different from newer models, one reason is that the exhaust systems are often different. Old muscle cars tend to have less restrictive exhaust systems that allow for the engine to breathe better and thus produce more power. They also usually have larger mufflers that produce a deeper and more aggressive sound.

Furthermore, classic American muscle cars have larger, more powerful engines with more cylinders that produce that distinct sound that we all know and love. The old-school Dodge Chargers are made without catalytic converters, so there isn’t a system in place to filter out most of the emissions, so you are left with that delicious unburnt hydrocarbon smell that you cannot get with modern vehicles due to emissions laws and regulations.

Design Simplicity

Classic muscle cars typically feature large, high-displacement engines with a much simpler design than their newer counterparts. They often have V-8 engines with large cylinders, which contribute to their distinctive sound and power. These engines have a deep, throaty rumble and produce a lot of low-frequency noise. On the other hand, modern cars often have smaller engines with fewer cylinders, turbochargers, and advanced technologies like direct fuel injection.

While these factors result in quieter and more efficient operations, the downside to all the fancy tech in modern cars is that there are more systems and components to fail on the vehicle. Simple components, such as on the original Dodge Charger make it more reliable than newer cars, despite being over 50 years old. In the old days, car owners could easily fix most issues in their home garages without the need for professional mechanics like the cars of today.

Some of the appeals of a classic muscle car are simply its simplicity. Plus, the old-school Chargers have screws instead of those pesky little plastic clips everywhere, that never all go back in correctly after you remove them, causing an annoying rattle until you are able to source replacements. As the saying goes “They don’t make cars like they used to.”

A Hell Of A Lot Of Fun To Drive

Known for its unique design, impressive aesthetic, and powerful performance, the original Dodge Charger is often considered a classic and iconic muscle car. There are several reasons why so many people find them so much fun to drive. The original Dodge Charger is thought to be one of the biggest, baddest muscle cars around. Back when it was just you and the car, there were no driver-aids, the driver had full control of the car, which made it simply exhilarating to drive.

The original Dodge Charger embodies the muscle car experience, the essence of the classic American muscle car era, It represents a time when speed and performance were highly valued, and driving a classic Dodge Charger allows you to experience that raw power and excitement. While not as refined as modern sports cars, the Charger's suspension and handling characteristics were well-suited for its time.

It provided a solid, confident ride and commanded attention on the road, creating a sense of presence and authority. Driving an original Dodge Charger can evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for those who have a fondness for classic cars or grew up during that era. The historical significance and cultural impact of the Charger, particularly its appearance in movies and television shows like "The Dukes of Hazzard," also contribute to its appeal and the enjoyment of driving it. I mean who doesn't want to feel like they are driving General Lee?

Oh! So Powerful (For Its Time)

One reason why the old-school Dodge Charger is so sought after is because of its super-fast engine, The 69’ Dodge Charger R/T for example, boasts a 440ci/375hp engine and can go from zero to sixty in 6.1 seconds.

The car can also reach speeds of 101.4 in 13.9 seconds, with a top speed of 200 mph. There were other options available as well, such as a 426 Hemi V-8 that kicked out 440hp. While that may not sound fast by today's standards, it was tearing up the pavement back in the golden age of horsepower. This made the Charger a formidable force on the drag strip and a thrilling car to drive on the open road.

We love that these iconic muscle cars have been brought back to life in the modern era. Both modern and classic are good in their own right, but there is just that aesthetic of a classic American muscle that the modern-day versions cannot beat. Maybe it's the famous hidden headlight, paired with the distinct fastback design that sets it apart from the rest. The original Dodge Charger definitely left a lasting impact on the automotive industry and cemented itself as a beloved classic.

2023-06-03T02:08:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd