USA vs USA — 1978 vs 1985
| Lil Red Express D150 | Shelby Charger | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 146 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,899 cc | 2,213 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | 8.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.4 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,998 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,464 mm |
| Length | 5,077 mm | 4,394 mm |
| Units Produced | 7,118 | 8,251 |
| Original MSRP | $6,532 | $9,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $25,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 brings more power, quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1985 Dodge Shelby Charger answers with higher top speed, lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Dodge has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 with the 1985 Dodge Shelby Charger highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 225 hp compared to 146 hp, a 79-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Dodge Lil Red Express uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 5,899 cc, while the Dodge Shelby Charger relies on a Inline-4 Turbo with 2,213 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 edges ahead at 7.5 seconds versus 8.4 seconds. The Dodge Shelby Charger carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1498 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 commands a significant premium over the 1985 Dodge Shelby Charger, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.