1997 Toyota Camry vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Camry 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 158 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Camry. (134 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 398 kg more than 1997 Toyota Camry. 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, 1997 Toyota Camry, 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Camry. (196 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Camry. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Camry has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Camry 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:
| 1997 Toyota Camry | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Toyota | Dodge |
| Model | Camry | Charger |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2163 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1905 mm |
