1971 Chevrolet El Camino vs. 1983 Dodge Charger
To start off, 1983 Dodge Charger is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet El Camino would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet El Camino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1983 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino should accelerate faster than 1983 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino weights approximately 421 kg more than 1983 Dodge Charger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chevrolet El Camino is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Charger, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (324 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Dodge Charger. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino has automatic transmission and 1983 Dodge Charger has manual transmission. 1983 Dodge Charger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet El Camino | 1983 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | El Camino | Charger |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1471 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
