staff@slashgear.com (Shane Schmid)
2024-04-21 05:15:40
www.slashgear.com
While the Model T revolutionized travel for Americans, operating it was cumbersome due to its transmission. Ford’s car had three pedals: one for two forward gears and neutral, one for the reverse gear, and one for the brake. This arrangement required the driver to pull off complex, simultaneous motions involving the throttle, handbrake, and multiple pedals just to get off the line. The Dodge 30-35 came with a more modern stick-driven gearbox that offered three speeds, providing a much more straightforward driving experience.
Another advantage the first Dodge had over other models of the time was a frame composed entirely of steel, a first for the American market. Other cars of the time were made of steel panels mounted on wooden frames — much less sturdy.
Regarding performance, the Dodge 30-35 came equipped with a 4-cylinder engine capable of generating 35 horsepower. While this may seem insignificant, its rival, the Model T, only offered 20 horsepower, and the Dodge 30-35 could reach a top speed of 60 mph, 15 mph faster than the Model T.