’70 Dodge Challenger RT 390HP drag racing ’69 Chevrolet Chevelle 375HP

A drag race between a 1970 Dodge Challenger RT and a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle would be a close match as both cars were considered muscle cars of their time and were designed for high-performance driving.

The 1970 Dodge Challenger with a 440-6 engine was a muscle car produced by Dodge during the 1970 model year. It featured a 440 cubic inch (7.2 liter) V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor, producing 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 3-speed manual or optional 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. It also had an upgraded suspension and braking system. The car was considered a competitor to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro in the pony car market.

The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle with a 396 engine is a muscle car produced by Chevrolet during the 1969 model year. It featured a 396 cubic inch (6.5 liter) V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor, producing 325 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 3-speed manual or optional 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. The car also had an upgraded suspension and braking system. The Chevelle SS 396 was considered a high-performance version of the standard Chevelle and was designed to compete with other muscle cars of the era such as the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Road Runner.

The Chevy Chevelle Super Sport has a very aggressive 4.88 rear gear, while the Dodge Challenger R/T has a set of 4.30 rear gears. Weight of the Chevy Chevelle SS including driver is 3690 pounds, while the Dodge Challenger is 3640 pounds.

Both cars are rare, there were only 400 L89 Chevrolet Chevelles produced in 1969, and only 793 Dodge Challenger R/T 440-6 with automatic transmissions in 1970. Original testing by Hot Cars Magazine 2/1969 showed a 375hp Chevelle (L78 iron heads) run the 1/4 mile in 14.07 seconds @ 101 mph.

However, they mentioned the stock Muncie shift linkage was terrible, and with a better option it should easily run in the 13s. The Challenger R/T 440-6 ran a 14.54 seconds @ 98 mph when tested by Hot Rod magazine 11/1969; it featured an automatic transmission and a 3.55 rear gears.

Both cars were popular among drag racers in the late 60s and early 70s, and it would be interesting to see a pure stock drag race between these two muscle cars, as it would give a good idea of how the cars perform in their original form, without any modification.