1970 Charger Showdown: Classic RT/SE Hemi vs. RestoMod Hemi

When it comes to American muscle, few cars have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and dominated the silver screen like the Dodge Charger. From Bullitt to The Fast and the Furious, the Charger has become a pop culture icon. It’s the kind of car that demands attention whether it’s accelerating hard on the highway or idling down the street. Today, we’re taking a closer look at two very different interpretations of the legendary 1970 Dodge Charger – a nearly stock, triple black HEMI Charger RT/SE and a fully built, Viper Red RestoMod with a modern 426ci Gen 3 HEMI. Whether you’re into factory originals or restored and modern builds, we’re breaking down exactly how these two Chargers stack up. U

1970 Dodge Charger – Triple Black RT/SE

This Charger is a time capsule. Originally optioned in triple black, this 1970 RT/SE keeps things classic and clean with a period-correct 426 HEMI swapped in place of its former 440 engine. It’s raw, unfiltered Mopar muscle – exactly how Dodge fans remember it.

The 1970 Dodge Charger RT/SE in Triple Black is a rare and highly sought-after combination among classic Mopar enthusiasts. “Triple Black” refers to the black exterior paint, black vinyl top, and black interior: a menacing, all-black configuration that was produced in limited numbers. Pairing the high-performance RT (Road/Track) package with the upscale SE (Special Edition) trim, this Charger offered both raw muscle and refined detail. With available engines like the 440 Magnum or the legendary 426 HEMI, and interior features including leather bucket seats, woodgrain accents, and a unique overhead console, the Triple Black RT/SE is a standout from the peak of the muscle car era.

Key Specs:

• 426 HEMI (period correct)
• Dual quad intake with carburetors
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Factory triple black color scheme

Driving Experience:

Behind the wheel, this Charger gives off a powerful, torque-heavy feeling, true to its roots – but it’s not without its quirks. The shifter feels vague, steering is floaty, and the suspension is soft, giving it that vintage Mopar cruising vibe. There’s no aggressive alignment, and the throttle input, while strong, is paired with a chassis that feels big and loosely planted. If you’re nostalgic for that real-deal classic muscle car experience, this car delivers it in full. But it’s also a reminder that 50-year-old tech, while charming, comes with compromises.