Guys put a Dodge Charger Daytona EV up against a 1969 Charger to see if it's worthy of replacing it
-
One car broke down mid-test
-
The other impressed with hidden features
-
Price gap between past and present might surprise you
Published on May 19, 2025 at 2:34 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on May 15, 2025 at 1:21 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Dodge EV, an electric muscle car designed to showcase modern Dodge performance, has gone head-to-head with a 1969 classic in a bold test by the Donut YouTube channel.
In a hands-on test, the team brought out a 1969 Charger and Dodge’s new EV to answer one big question: can the new Charger really carry the torch?
The old car had its charm, but it also brought along some mechanical challenges.
The new one delivered technology, precision, and a completely different kind of power.
VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie
The 1969 Charger unfortunately suffered a water pump failure partway through the event.
Despite the breakdown, it made a strong impression thanks to its raw attitude and timeless looks.
Meanwhile, the Dodge EV stepped up with its futuristic cabin, dual-motor setup, and drift mode.
It could not perform a traditional burnout, but it still managed to pull off some smoky donuts and put on a solid show.
Affordability quickly came into question.
The original Charger cost around $3,500 in 1969, roughly $31,000 when adjusted for inflation.
In contrast, the new Charger starts at $60,000 and can hit $85,000 when fully loaded.
Real carbon fiber, suede trim, and a premium infotainment system help explain the cost, but it’s far from the everyman muscle car the original represented.
Inside the EV, the feeling is completely different.
The Donut team highlighted glowing carbon trim, a heads-up display, and one of the best wireless phone chargers they had ever tested.
Everything from the touchscreen to the LED accents added to the sense of modern Dodge performance.
But the question remained, was all this enough to capture the soul of the Charger?
For purists, the 1969 classic still reigns.
It is loud, aggressive, and carries decades of cultural weight.
The new car is quicker and more refined, but it trades character for control.
The Donut crew gave credit where it was due, acknowledging that the Dodge EV was fast and capable, even if it could not quite replace the vibe of the original.
In the end, it’s not about which car is objectively better.
It’s about which version of the Charger speaks to a driver’s heart.
The Donut video proved that while the new Charger is an electric muscle car built for the future, the 1969 classic still owns the past.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
