1987 Ford Probe vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Probe would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1987 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 563 kg more than 1987 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Dodge Charger is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Ford Probe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Probe. (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Probe. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Probe 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:
| 1987 Ford Probe | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Probe | Charger |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2183 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3053 mm |
