In the November 2007 issue of Car and Driver magazine, they compared the performance of a 1970 340 Six Pack Challenger T/A ($86,000) to a 1970 Challenger that was restored/modified by XV Motosports for $176,000, with a 5.7L Hemi (443 hp), 5-speed manual, reworked suspension, Mustang rack and pinion power steering, StopTech vented disc brakes, C5 Corvette knuckles and lower control arms, low profile tires, aluminum trailing arms, adjustable Panhard rod, coil springs, custom shocks, as well as structural enhancements.
The results? As expected the old Challenger got smoked in both acceleration and handling:
0-60 mph T/A= 7.1 sec. Restomod= 5.1 sec.
1/4 mile T/A= 15.4 @92 mph Restomod= 13.5 @107 sec.
Braking (70 mph to 0) T/A= 279 feet Restomod= 183 feet
Roadholding T/A= 0.68 Restomod= 0.90
But, is it really worth paying an extra $90,000 to get a 1970 Challenger to perform like a modern sports car? I'd rather buy a 6.1L Challenger SRT in 2009 and get the best of both worlds for around $40,000.
