Dodge Charger R/T

vs

Dodge Charger

USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1969

Dodge Charger R/T (1968)
Dodge Charger (1969)
Specifications
Charger R/T 440 MagnumCharger Daytona 440
Horsepower375 hp375 hp
Torque480 lb-ft480 lb-ft
Engine Size7,206 cc7,210 cc
0-60 mph6.0 sec5.6 sec
Top Speed130 mph195 mph
¼ Mile14.0 sec13.8 sec
Wheelbase2,946 mm2,946 mm
Length5,257 mm5,500 mm
Units Produced17,665503
Value (Excellent)$180,000$600,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity5/1010/10
The Verdict

The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 440 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum 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.

Overview

The Dodge Charger R/T lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum with the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 440 reveals how Dodge refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum producing 375 hp and the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 440 delivering 375 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Dodge Charger R/T uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 7,206 cc, while the Dodge Charger relies on a V8 OHV with 7,210 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 440 edges ahead at 5.6 seconds versus 6.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 503 units built, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 440 is considerably scarcer than the Dodge Charger R/T's 17,665 examples. On the collector market, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 440 commands a significant premium over the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.