RE: 6.1 vs. 426 Hemi
 

Back in the early 80's, a buddy of mine had a chance to buy a 70 R/T with a 440-6pack, once we got the bugs worked out a little with the carbs we took it to the track. With a 4-speed & Mickey Thompson Indy Profile rear tires we got it to do 13.3, beating a Hemi Road Runner to his 13.5 with slicks (No drag radials then). This was in fall in the northeast.
The old Hemis were consistant 13 second cars.

RE: 6.1 vs. 426 Hemi
 

I think that the new Challengers (SRT-8) should do better than a 30 year old Hemi. Trans change as does a very high tech engine and suspension. So I expect this car to run a lot better than the older one. This is the 21st century and we should be better in all areas of a new engineered car. But the 70s Hemi just did'nt stay idle all these years... they have evolved also to those who mod their engines. But as for stock to stock, its the only way to fairly compare. But I do know for a fact that the 70s Hemi were 13 sec. cars when in proper tune and normal track conditions

RE: 6.1 vs. 426 Hemi
 

There has been some discussions around other posts on the 426, 440 etc. Here is a pretty good site with a ton of Hemi info plus a ton of New Challenger stuff http://www.thehemi.com. Back in 75 I had a 67 GTX with the 426 dual quad. I put a set of headers and traded out the Thermoquads with Holleys and added a dual point ignition as the only mods to the motor. The car itself was stock with a 4 speed and a dana 60 rear with 3.91's and I can tell you that this was one of the meanest cars around. With slicks underneath this car would turn just a hair under 13, roughly 12.7's consistantly. I would venture to say that it sure would give todays Challenger a square run for its money and while I wish I had that GTX today..I am sure glad to be getting the 09!!!!

RE: 6.1 vs. 426 Hemi
 

Wrong, a 1970 Hemi Challenger can easily break into the 12s.

http://www.bushautoblog.com/2008/04/...hallenger.html