The Dodge Daytona Turbo Z, built from 1984 to 1986, was Chrysler’s answer to the pony car wars, taking on Mustangs and Camaros with a turbocharged front-wheel-drive platform. It brought performance and style to a struggling brand. For those who know their cars, here are eight reasons the Turbo Z was a standout, with specs and history to prove it.
Turbocharged Power
The 1984 Daytona Turbo Z’s 2.2-liter Turbo I four-cylinder made 142 hp and 160 lb-ft, hitting 0–60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Its 97-inch wheelbase and 2,651-pound weight used a five-speed manual.
With multi-port injection, it matched V8 rivals like the 1983 Mustang GT’s 175 hp. The interior’s cloth buckets and analog gauges were functional. Its power-to-weight ratio made it a budget performance star, reviving Chrysler’s reputation.
Porsche 944 Benchmark
Chrysler aimed the Turbo Z at the Porsche 944, pulling 0.83g on a skidpad. Its 2.2-liter turbo hit a quarter-mile in 16.5 seconds at 81.6 mph, weighing 2,651 pounds.
Its sleek hatchback design and 15-inch “Swiss-cheese” wheels echoed Euro style. The cabin had a boost gauge and optional T-tops. Competitive with the 944’s 143 hp, it offered similar handling for half the price.
Carroll Shelby’s Touch
The 1986 Turbo Z’s C/S package, tuned by Carroll Shelby, used 32mm front and 28mm rear sway bars, hitting 0–60 mph in 8.1 seconds. Its 146-hp 2.2-liter turbo had a 97-inch wheelbase.
Goodyear Eagle GT tires and performance struts sharpened handling. Cloth buckets and a sport console kept it driver-focused. Only 7,704 got the C/S package, valued at $20,000–$50,000, per Hagerty, making it a rare gem.
Front-Wheel-Drive Shift
The Turbo Z’s G-body, a shortened K-platform, made it Chrysler’s first front-drive performance car, with a 2.2-liter turbo (142 hp) hitting 129 mph. Its 2,651-pound frame used a five-speed manual.
Unlike V8 Camaros, it balanced power and 22/42 mpg efficiency. The interior’s four bucket seats and optional digital dash were modern. This shift from rear-drive Mopars marked Chrysler’s comeback.
T-Top Appeal
In 1985, 5,984 Turbo Zs got T-tops. Its 2.2-liter turbo (146 hp) hit 0–60 mph in 8.1 seconds with a five-speed manual, on a 97-inch wheelbase, weighing 2,651 pounds.
Removable glass panels and side louvers added flair. The interior’s low-back buckets and AM/FM cassette stereo were sporty. T-tops made it a cruiser’s dream, with values at $20,000–$50,000, per Hagerty, appealing to modern retro fans.
Electronic Voice Alert
The Turbo Z featured Chrysler’s Electronic Voice Alert through 1987, warning of low oil or open doors. Its 2.2-liter turbo (146 hp) hit a quarter-mile in 16.2 seconds, weighing 2,651 pounds.
The digital dash and cloth seats kept it high-tech. This quirky system, paired with performance, set it apart from Mustangs. Valued at $15,000–$40,000, per Hagerty, its tech could inspire modern driver aids.
Production Numbers
In 1984, 49,347 Daytonas were built, with the Turbo Z as the top trim. Its 2.2-liter turbo (142 hp) hit 0–60 mph in 8.2 seconds, on a 97-inch wheelbase.
Mark Cross leather and light-up speakers added luxury. By 1986, production dropped to 44,366, valued at $20,000–$50,000, per Hagerty. High initial numbers and later scarcity make it a collector’s pick today.
Aftermarket Potential
The Turbo Z’s 2.2-liter turbo (146 hp) could hit 200 hp with mods. Its 97-inch wheelbase and 2,651-pound frame ran a 16.2-second quarter-mile stock.
Equal-length half-shafts reduced torque steer. The interior’s bucket seats and manual shifter suited tuners. Strong aftermarket support, with Koni shocks and turbo upgrades, keeps it relevant for modern builds.
Source: Hagerty
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