• The 1978 Challenger featured an optional 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine.Classic Car Engine Refurbished image by Janet Wall from Fotolia.com
  
  The Challenger was Dodge's version of the 1970's ponycar, an affordable, highly styled car with a performance-oriented reputation. Dodge began production on the Challenger in 1970, with the intent of competing with popular models such as the Camaro and Mustang. The first generation of Challenger was produced from 1970 until 1974, manufactured on the Chrysler E platform along with the Plymouth Barracuda. The 1978 model year marked the beginning of the second generation of Dodge Challenger, produced until 1983. This time, however, the Challenger name was given to an imported Mitsubishi model, known in Japan as the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda.
  
  

Engine and Transmission Options

• The standard engine available on the 1978 Dodge Challenger was a 2.0-liter, single overhead cam, straight four-cylinder engine with 77 horsepower. Available as an optional engine was a 2.6-liter, SOHC straight four with 105 horsepower. The 2.6-liter engine was extremely large for a four-cylinder, with the tendency to produce a great deal of vibration. Mitsubishi pioneered the technology to handle this vibration: twin, counter-rotating balance shafts. The Challenger's standard transmission was a five-speed manual, with the option of a three-speed automatic.
  
  

Suspension and Brakes

• Mounted on the 1978 Challenger's unibody structure was a MacPherson strut front suspension, with a solid axle and coil springs in the rear. Front disc brakes were standard on the Challenger; four-wheel disc brakes were available as part of an optional Road Wheel package.
  
  

Exterior

• Despite being built on a new Mitsubishi platform, the 1978 Dodge Challenger kept the frameless hardtop two-door coupe style seen in previous years. Its standard tires were a generous size 195/70R14. The Challenger's exterior dimensions included a wheelbase of 99.6 inches and an overall length of 180 inches.
  
  

Interior Features

• The interior of the 1978 Dodge Challenger was well-outfitted for its time period. Some of the innovative features on the car included a remote release hood and deck, a rear window electric defroster, clocks and lights on an overhead console and carpeting throughout. Also included were bucket seats, an adjustable steering column, a tachometer, tinted glass, a locking gas cap, dual horns and a four-speaker AM/FM stereo. The Challenger also featured chimes instead of buzzers.