USA vs USA — 1978 vs 1957
| Lil Red Express D150 | Sweptside D100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,899 cc | 5,326 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | 10.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 110 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.4 sec | 17.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,998 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,077 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 7,118 | 130 |
| Original MSRP | $6,532 | $2,835 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 excels in quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value, while the 1957 Dodge Sweptside D100 stands out for greater rarity, stronger collectibility. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 and 1957 Dodge Sweptside D100 share a manufacturer in Dodge, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Dodge brand. The 1957 Dodge Sweptside D100 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 245 hp compared to 225 hp, a 20-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 Sweptside relies on a V8 OHV with 5,326 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 edges ahead at 7.5 seconds versus 10.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 130 units built, the 1957 Dodge Sweptside D100 is considerably scarcer than the Dodge Lil Red Express's 7,118 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Dodge Sweptside D100 commands a significant premium over the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.