The Dodge Charger Registry went thru this when the new 4door car came out. They refused to include the new models because they were a sedan. My feelings were that the new charger had more muscle car feel and appearance than the 76-77 Charger, which was nothing more than an uglier Cordoba. And, if performance was an issue, the new charger would out perform the old models.
I am a die-hard 2 gen Charger guy (68-70), but I wouldn’t turn away someone who shares the same interest as me.