2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1988 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (250 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (97 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 542 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 2009 Dodge Charger (339 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1988 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2540 mm |
