1971 Dodge Challenger vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1971 Dodge Challenger. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1971 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 330 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.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Dodge Challenger. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (373 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Dodge Challenger. (233 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Challenger | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Dodge | Plymouth |
| Model | Challenger | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
