The '09 Dodge Challenger is out in the mags (C&D, R&T, etc.) in
"Preview" type stories. This thing is huge -- wider than the Dodge
Charger, whose platform is its jumping off point.  I got to wondering
how it compares to that old battleship of a ponycar, the '71-'73
Mustang.  Here's what I found:

'09 Challenger vs. '71-'73 Mustang:

Length: 197.8 vs. 189.5
Height: 57.0 vs. 50.1
Width: 75.7 vs. 74.1
Wheelbase: 116.0 vs. 109.0
Weight: 4150 vs. 3300

Regarding performance, it's generally agreed that the '71 Boss 351 was
the quickest of this third generation, and possibly the quickest stock
Mustang of the classic era.  Although stock performance is a recurring
bone of contention around here, it's safe to say that a Boss 351 (352
ci, 330 hp @ 5400, 370 lb-ft @ 4000) could run 0-60 in about 5.8 and
that a good one will do 13.8 in the quarter. Top speed was 135-145
mph. Regarding the '09 Charger (370 ci, 425 hp @ 6200, 420 lb-ft @
4800), C&D estimates that it will do 0-60 in 4.7, 13.1 in the quarter,
and top out at 173.

Oh, and Dodge estimates mpg of 13/18. That 18 mpg highway of course
depends on an O.D. tranny, something that the classic Mustang never
got. With a 1:1 top gear I'm guessing the Challenger would be on a par
with, or less efficient than, a Boss 351.

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