USA vs USA — 1966 vs 1966
| Charger R/T 440 | Charger Daytona | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 425 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,210 cc | 6,981 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 200 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,800 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,997 mm | 2,997 mm |
| Length | 5,283 mm | 5,749 mm |
| Units Produced | 96,108 | 503 |
| Original MSRP | $3,506 | $4,369 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
The 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1966 Dodge Charger R/T 440 counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Tracing the evolution of the Dodge Charger from 1966 to 1966 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Dodge. The 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 375 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Dodge Charger uses a V8 OHV (RB big-block) displacing 7,210 cc, while the Dodge Charger relies on a V8 OHV (Hemi) with 6,981 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 503 units built, the 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona is considerably scarcer than the Dodge Charger's 96,108 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona commands a significant premium over the 1966 Dodge Charger R/T 440, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.