Did Dodge come up a little bit short in respect to this gen Challenger?

Many of you may know or have suspected that this gen Challenger is significantly taller in height than the 1st (about 6 inches), longer by about 9 inches, wider by an inch. Their much heavier than a comparable modern day Mustang and a little heavier than Camaro. The ride size feel of this car has always been somewhat bothersome for me and some of this explains why. I'd like the Challenger much more if it were smaller (it even weighs more than 1st gen which I don't think had to be the case for any of the size parameters I've mentioned). Perhaps this outcome is the result of limitations encountered in choosing to use an existing platform (anyone know)? Did Dodge miss the mark even a little? Should I have a slice of cheese with my wine?

 

Try getting into a Modern Camaro, they are also bigger then the Originals but smaller and more cramped then the Challenger. The Gen 3's have more HP then the Originals faster,
Better Suspension, etc., Higher Fuel Mileage, etc., While id love to have a 1970 I have no complaints with the 2008-2014"s looks wise and design. GM missed the mark on the Camaro's
and Ford missed on the Mustang IMHO. A Muscle Car is not known for Smooth Rides not even in the Past.

 

I feel the same as Wm TPA SXT ref the Camaro. I test drove one twice and it was 3rd, in my opinion, behind the Challenger and Mustang. Obviously I bought the R/T back in 2020 and am ultra pleased with my decision.
Cloverdale, i also wish the Challenger was closer to my original 1st gen in size BUT I have become used to it. The modern amenities are so advanced over my 1st gen car that I just can't complain other than 'the 4 cylinder' mode. I'm always using 'sport' or 'manual' so I don't have to deal with it. It is second nature to me now.
I still like Mustangs very much but I already have one, and the retro design of my '07 still works for me. The 5 speed is becomng an issue however as I get older. I always liked shifting but it is getting tougher, especially in traffic.

 

The Ride, Handling, Comfort, Performance and GAS MILEAGE
of my 2010 SRT is so far superior to my
1970 383 SE updated w/ '66 426 Street Hemi
it isn't even a comparison.
The only thing I miss about my '70 is the SOUND and the easy of maintenance.
No Damn Computers.

 

Thought you'd know about the platform Tom. Pretty similar size appearance.

 

You CAN convert the engines on these to run without computers, but the other stuff on the car may be harder to de-siliconize.

 

^^^^ Where do you put the Points Distributor?

 

Custom aluminum front engine bit by Dodge has a place to mount a distributor.

Or the aftermarket, in this case:
https://store.prefix.com/products/hemi-front-distributor-kit