1971 Dodge Challenger vs. 1968 Dodge Polara
To start off, 1971 Dodge Challenger is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Dodge Polara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Dodge Polara would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Polara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Dodge Polara (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1971 Dodge Challenger. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Polara should accelerate faster than 1971 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Dodge Polara weights approximately 10 kg more than 1971 Dodge Challenger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Dodge Polara (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Dodge Challenger. (233 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Polara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Challenger | 1968 Dodge Polara | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Challenger | Polara |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3030 mm |
