Chevelle vs Charger: GM A-Body or Mopar B-Body?
The Chevelle SS and the Dodge Charger R/T are the big-block cars most buyers picture from 1968 to 1970, and they reach the same goal by different routes. The Chevelle coupe rides a 112 inch wheelbase on GM's A-body. The Charger is the larger car at 117 inches and 208 inches long, sold only as a two-door hardtop, with a 440 Magnum standard in the R/T and the 426 Hemi optional.
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Chevrolet Chevelle | Dodge Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Model years | 1964 to 1977 | 1966 to 1978 |
| Platform | GM A-body, body-on-frame | Chrysler B-body |
| Wheelbase (1968 to 1970) | 112 in coupe and convertible | 117 in |
| Length | 196.9 to 197.5 in coupe (1968 to 1972) | 208.0 in (1968 and 1969) |
| Performance model | SS 396: 325, 350 or 375 hp | R/T: 440 Magnum, 375 hp |
| Top engine | 1970 LS6 454, 450 hp | 426 Hemi, 425 hp |
| Body styles (1968 to 1970) | Hardtop, convertible, sedan, wagon | Two-door hardtop only |
The case for Chevrolet Chevelle
Pick the Chevelle for choice. It ran from 1964 to 1977 and came as a hardtop, convertible, sedan and wagon, with the convertible offered through 1972. The SS 396 was rated at 325, 350 or 375 hp from 1967, and the 1970 SS 454 added the 360 hp LS5 and the 450 hp LS6, the highest advertised rating of any engine in either car. It is also about 11 inches shorter than a 1968 or 1969 Charger.
The Chevelle buyer's guide lists the checks by generation.
The case for Dodge Charger
Pick the Charger for the 1968 to 1970 body and the Mopar engines. The R/T came with the 375 hp 440 Magnum, the 425 hp 426 Hemi was optional, and 1970 added the 390 hp 440 Six Pack. Dodge built about 96,000 Chargers for 1968 and 89,199 for 1969, many with the 230 hp 318 or a 383, and those cost far less than an R/T. Check the trunk floor, floor pans and rear quarters for rust.
Use the Charger buyer's guide and the page on identifying a Hemi Charger.
Verdict
These two rarely compete on logic. Chevrolet buyers get more body styles, more model years and the 454. Dodge buyers get a longer, more dramatic hardtop and the 440 and Hemi. On either car the original engine and options drive the price, so verify what the car was built with before paying for an SS or an R/T. The Charger history shows how the 1966 to 1967, 1968 to 1970 and 1971 to 1974 cars differ.
Recent Chevrolet Chevelle listings
United States
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle
United States
