Is a Daytona faster than a RT?
The quick answer depends on what you mean by Daytona and RT. In motorcycle terms, a Triumph Daytona typically outpaces a BMW R 1250 RT in both speed and acceleration. In cars, the Daytona name has historical roots, and modern RTs are usually faster thanks to newer technology, but the exact comparison hinges on the specific year and model. Here’s a closer look at the two most common interpretations.
Motorcycle comparison: Triumph Daytona vs BMW R 1250 RT
When comparing sportbikes and sport-touring bikes, the key metrics are top speed, acceleration, weight, and aerodynamics. The following points summarize typical performance benchmarks for these two models.
- Triumph Daytona 675R: top speed around 165 mph (270 km/h); 0-60 mph roughly 3.0–3.3 seconds; dry weight about 168–170 kg; high-revving 3-cylinder engine delivering around 128 hp.
- BMW R 1250 RT: top speed around 125 mph (200 km/h); 0-60 mph roughly 3.5–4.0 seconds; curb weight around 250–270 kg; torquey 1250cc boxer engine designed for long-distance comfort.
- Bottom line: in a straight line, the Daytona generally accelerates and tops out faster than the RT; the RT gains in ride comfort, stability, and long-haul practicality. Real-world results depend on gearing, aerodynamics, and rider skill.
These figures reflect typical road-going specs and common performance observations. Riding conditions, tires, and track specifics can shift outcomes.
Car comparison: Classic Daytonas vs modern RTs
In cars, Daytona often refers to historic American models from the late 1960s/early 1970s (such as the Plymouth/Dodge Daytonas) or the 1980s turbo variants. RT (Road/Track) is a designation used on contemporary Dodge/Chrysler performance trims. Because these refer to very different eras, a direct speed comparison requires model-by-model specificity.
- Classic Daytonas (late 1960s–1970s): celebrated for aerodynamic styling and impressive top speeds for their time; typical top speeds ranged in the ballpark of roughly 150–170 mph depending on engine and gearing. They were fast by era standards but carried older suspension and braking technology by today’s standards.
- 1984–1991 Daytona Turbo (2.2L turbocharged): improved performance with forced induction; top speeds generally in the 130–150 mph range depending on setup and gearing.
- Modern RT variants (Dodge Challenger/Charger R/T and similar): equipped with modern Hemi engines or equivalent, these cars deliver rapid acceleration and high top speeds by today’s standards; 0-60 times commonly around 4 seconds or faster, with top speeds often well over 150 mph depending on trim and options.
In short, historic Daytonas were fast for their time, but modern RTs typically surpass them in straight-line speed and overall performance due to advances in engines, aerodynamics, tires, and electronics. For a precise verdict, the exact Daytona year/model and the specific RT variant must be specified.
What to measure when comparing speed
To make a fair, apples-to-apples comparison, focus on these metrics and contexts.
- Top speed (GPS or governed limit): the maximum velocity achievable in ideal conditions.
- 0-60 mph or 0-100 km/h: how quickly the vehicle reaches a certain speed from a standstill.
- Power-to-weight ratio: horsepower or torque relative to vehicle weight, which strongly influences acceleration.
- Aerodynamics and gearing: impact the speed range where the machine performs best.
When assessing real-world performance, ensure you’re comparing the same category (bike vs bike, car vs car) and account for equipment like tires, rider or driver weight, and testing environment.
Summary
In motorcycle terms, the Triumph Daytona generally outperforms the BMW R 1250 RT in both top speed and acceleration. In automotive terms, Daytona references point to historic models whose speed was impressive for their era, but modern RTs typically outperform them thanks to contemporary engineering and powertrains. For a precise answer, specify the exact Daytona and RT models and their year ranges.
