1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 61 kg more than 2012 Dodge Charger.
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, 2012 Dodge Charger (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Gran Torino | Charger |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1797 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 72 L |
