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1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440
Plymouth had the Barracuda, the first pony car model they introduced two weeks before the Ford Mustang. However, its stablemate, Dodge didn’t enter the segment until 1970. Some muscle car historians say Dodge was late for the party. But, the Challenger was so good, it left its mark and reserved a place in history.
Mopar’s E-Body models, the Barracuda and Challenger were brand new for 1970. They featured new designs, better construction and wider and longer bodies. There was no significant mechanical difference between the Barracuda and the Challenger. Aside from the design, these two cars had some interchangeable bodywork parts, as well.
They gave the Challenger the full firepower of Mopar’s engines. Car buyers could get a powerful 383 V8, as well as a big 440 and the famous 426 Hemi. The best performers were the 440 and the Hemi. Depending on the specifications, they had differential ratio and gearboxes, Challengers equipped with those engines could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the 5.5 to 5.7 second range, which was considered quite quick for 1970.