1980 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 2012 Dodge Challenger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Challenger is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Camaro would be higher. At 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Challenger (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 347 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Camaro. (123 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Camaro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 446 kg more than 1980 Chevrolet Camaro. 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, 2012 Dodge Challenger (637 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chevrolet Camaro. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chevrolet Camaro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Camaro | 2012 Dodge Challenger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Camaro | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4375 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5022 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1923 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2946 mm |
