If you are a muscle car enthusiast, you must have heard of the legendary 1972 Chevrolet Nova, a compact car that took the world by storm with its powerful engine, sleek design, and impressive performance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this classic car and see how it stacks up against the Hemi Charger RT, another iconic muscle car of the era.
Introduction
The Chevrolet Nova was first introduced in 1962 as a compact car that offered an alternative to the full-size models of the time. The Nova quickly gained popularity among car enthusiasts, and over the years, it evolved into a muscle car that could hold its own against the likes of the Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger. The 1972 model year was the last of the third generation of Novas and came with some significant changes that made it stand out from its predecessors.
The History of the Chevrolet Nova
The Chevrolet Nova was originally designed to be a basic economy car, but over the years, it evolved into a high-performance machine that could take on some of the best muscle cars of the time. The first generation of the Nova was produced from 1962 to 1965 and was available in several body styles, including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a convertible.
The second generation of the Nova was produced from 1966 to 1967 and featured a more streamlined design and improved performance. It was available in several different engine options, including a 327 cubic inch V8 that could produce up to 350 horsepower.
The third generation of the Nova was produced from 1968 to 1974 and is often considered to be the most iconic. The 1972 model year was the last of this generation and came with several significant changes, including a new grille and revised taillights.
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova – Design and Features
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova featured a sleek design that was ahead of its time. It came with a new grille that was wider and more aggressive than previous models, as well as revised taillights that were larger and more prominent. The Nova was available in several different body styles, including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a station wagon.
Inside, the Nova was roomy and comfortable, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It came with a range of standard features, including power steering, power brakes, and a four-speed manual transmission. Optional features included air conditioning, power windows, and a stereo system.
Under the Hood – Engine and Performance
Engine Options
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova came with several different engine options, including a 250 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine that could produce up to 145 horsepower. The most popular engine option was the 350 cubic inch V8, which could produce up to 270 horsepower. For those looking for even more power, there was also a 396 cubic inch V8 that could produce up to 425 horsepower.
Transmission and Suspension
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova came with a variety of transmission options, including a three-speed manual, four-speed manual, and a three-speed automatic. The suspension of the Nova was also upgraded, with front and rear stabilizer bars, as well as improved shocks and springs.
Hemi Charger RT
Design and Features
The Hemi Charger RT, introduced in 1968, was a muscle car that was designed to be both stylish and powerful. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic design that was characterized by its long hood, short deck, and hidden headlights. The interior of the Hemi Charger RT was luxurious and featured high-quality materials, such as leather seats and a woodgrain steering wheel.
Engine and Performance
The Hemi Charger RT was powered by a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine that could produce up to 425 horsepower. It came with a three-speed automatic transmission and featured a heavy-duty suspension that was designed to handle the power of the engine.
Head to Head Comparison – Nova vs. Hemi Charger RT
Design and Styling
In terms of design, the 1972 Chevrolet Nova and the Hemi Charger RT were very different. The Nova had a more angular, boxy design, while the Hemi Charger RT had a more aerodynamic, streamlined design. The Nova was available in several different body styles, while the Hemi Charger RT was only available as a two-door coupe.
Engine and Performance
When it comes to performance, the Hemi Charger RT had a clear advantage over the Nova. The Hemi V8 engine was more powerful than any of the engines offered in the Nova, and the Charger’s heavy-duty suspension was designed to handle the power of the engine. However, the Nova was more affordable and more fuel-efficient than the Hemi Charger RT.
Conclusion
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova and the Hemi Charger RT are both iconic muscle cars of the era, each with its own unique design and performance features. While the Hemi Charger RT may have had the edge in terms of power and performance, the Nova was a more practical choice for everyday driving. Both cars are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.