Rear end ratio of 3.92, I think.
I just bought an overdrive transmission, that will be installed after I have time to check it out for worn out bearings etc.
I have no doubt that given sufficient distance most vehicles similar to the one I took on Sunday afternoon would be able to leave the old Dodge behind, but it was still kind of fun surprising the guy, since he obviously thought he was in for a cake walk.
Back in the days when I was more ignorant of the possible harm I might be doing, I did have that car up to 100 mph (indicated) a couple of times on the interstates. I'd imagine that the overdrive setup will make that possible without abusing the thing.
One other factor; according to my owner's manual, and several other resources, my three-passenger coupe only wieghs 3045 lbs.
I dropped into a Subaru dealer yesterday (turns out whatever the SUV was, it wasn't a Subaru; too big), who told me that given my description of the vehicle, it probably wieghed in the 3500-3800 lbs region.
Just for the heck of it, I dropped by a local truck scale, and got 1880 front axle and 1600 rear axle (with me in the car, and half a tank of fuel), so my "fighting" wieght is right at 3480 lbs. Add a load of fuel and the three passengers to the SUV in question, and we're probably talking about a good 4200-4300 lbs, assuming a dry wieght of 3700 lbs.
That right there could erase any hp advantage the newer vehicle might have seemed to enjoy.
Plus like you suggested, low speed torque is way in my flattie's favor.
All-in-all an interesting topic to consider, as long as it isn't taken too seriously.
