1972 Dodge Challenger vs. 1981 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 1981 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Crown Victoria (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Dodge Challenger. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1972 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 285 kg more than 1972 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, 1981 Ford Crown Victoria (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Dodge Challenger. (256 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Dodge Challenger | 1981 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Challenger | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2910 mm |
