Ugly (and beauty) are in the eye of the beholder. That's subjective.
As for "big", let's compare numbers (not subjective) with performance numbers tossed in just for the "fun" of it;
1968 Dodge Challenger R/T;
Length - 208 inches
Wheelbase- 117 inches
Weight- 4035 lbs
Width- 76.6 inches
Engine- V8 440 cu in. (375 hp)
0-60 mph- 6.5 sec.
1/4 mile- 14.9 sec.
Fuel Mileage- 8/12 (very kind estimate)
2006 Dodge Challenger R/T;
Length - 200.1 inches
Wheelbase- 120 inches
Weight- 4031 lbs.
Width- 74.5 inches
Engine- V8 345 cu in. (340 hp)
0-60 mph- 6.2 sec.
1/4 mile- 14.3 sec.
Fuel Mileage- 17/25 mpg
I like the styling of the 1968 Charger R/T as much as you do. BUT I also remember looking over that endless hood hanging WAY out from the steering wheel
and quickly remember that I like driving the '06 MUCH better than the '68. The '06 handles and rides better, gets better mileage, has all of the "creature comforts" I've grown to appreciate, and draws as many admiring looks and comments as the '68 did in it's day.
Maybe I'm NOT a "purist". That doesn't mean I can't appreciate the old cars of my youth as much as I appreciate the new ones of my middle age. I'd just prefer to "wrench" less on my cars now than I used to. Frankly, I just don't have the time.
THAT'S why I'm looking forward to the 2008/2009 Challenger. I could get a '73 Challenger - and spend just as much time working on it as driving it. OR I can get the new muscle and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Everyone is entitled to thier own opinion.
OPINION - often given , rarely asked for, usually worthless.
We can agree to disagree.
