The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger are powerhouses in the world of American high-performance cars with eye-catching designs and a competitive rivalry that spans decades.
As 2023 marked the last year of production for both iconic models, this is a good time to compare them head-to-head to see which muscle machine best matches your driving needs. Our Dodge experts will pit their performance abilities against each other, weigh their everyday driving benefits, and highlight their unique traits. Our breakdown will walk you through the key parts of these two vehicles, giving you the knowledge you need to pick wisely between these two road legends.
Key Differences Between the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger
The Charger and Challenger are two giants of the American automotive industry that share a love for speed but differ in key aspects. The former boasts a four-door sedan design, while the latter keeps its classic two-door coupe look. They also vary inside, with 40.1 inches of rear legroom to stretch out in the Charger and a compact 33.1 inches in the Challenger coupe.
Some Challenger models surpass their Charger siblings in terms of power, and the difference in style sets these vehicles apart even more. The Challenger stays true to its muscle-car roots, while the Charger sports the modern flair of a sleek, contemporary sedan. If we look at starting MSRP, the four-door Charger is always going to be a little more expensive than its two-door counterpart.
Body Style
This Charger's design blends muscle car strength with everyday adaptability, while the two-door Challenger keeps its coupe shape, staying true to its old-school muscle car roots, which is a major draw for auto fans.
Both vehicles have special exterior features that make them stand out. From their shaped hoods hinting at the power inside to the twin exhaust pipes producing that famous growl, these vehicles boast distinctive features, such as bright LED lights that catch the eye day or night. If you want an even bigger presence on the road, there are wider body choices. While Dodge offers 13 different colors for these models, you can make your auto truly unique through special design packages, such as the Redeye, Hellcat, Scat Pack, and R/T.
Performance
The Dodge Charger and Challenger deliver powerful performance with engine options to satisfy your desire for speed:
- 3.6L Pentastar V-6: 305 hp for the Challenger and 292 hp for the Charger.
- 5.7L HEMI V-8: 375 hp for the Challenger and 370 hp for the Charger.
- 6.4L HEMI V-8: 485 hp for both vehicles.
- Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V-8: up to 840 hp on the Challenger SRT Demon.
While the Charger sports an eight-speed automatic transmission, its coupe counterpart lets you control the gears with a six-speed manual on V-8 models. Both vehicles come with standard rear-wheel drive, and you can select all-wheel drive on V-6 versions for high-performance grip in all conditions. If you want top-notch speed, higher trims boast features such as Launch Control, Performance Pages, and sturdy Brembo brakes.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both muscle cars accommodate five passengers, but their interior layouts diverge significantly. The four-door Charger gives more space in the back seats with 40.1 inches of rear legroom and 36.6 inches of rear headroom, with the Challenger offering 33.1 and 37.1 inches, respectively.
The trunk size is nearly identical for both vehicles, with 16.5 cubic feet in the Charger and 16.2 cubic feet in the Challenger. You can choose from available extras in both cars, such as leather seats, front seats that heat and cool, and separate climate controls for the driver and passenger. Both also come with an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system.
Practicality and Utility
In terms of everyday practicality, the Charger's four-door configuration stands out. Its design makes it an effortless task for back-seat riders to get in and out, and the trunk's wider opening makes loading items much easier. The two-door Challenger, while not as roomy for your rear passengers, still offers some flexibility with its 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
If you have a family, the Charger might be the better option due to its increased rear space and easier access for securing young passengers. When it comes to gas mileage, both automobiles are pretty similar:
- V-6 models: about 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- V-8 models: depending on which engine you choose, you get 14-19 mpg in the city and 22-30 mpg on the highway.
If you need a vehicle for everyday use, especially if you often have people in the back seat, the four-door is probably your best bet. The two-door can still work well as a practical, everyday ride given the flexibility provided by the folding rear seats, but you compromise passenger space for storage utility.
Considerations Based on Your Preferences
Your choice between the Charger and Challenger depends on your specific vehicle needs. If you want sheer power and a hands-on driving experience, the Challenger might be the ideal choice. It offers a manual gearbox and delivers more performance in some trims. For a more family-friendly option, the Charger's four doors and spacious interior provide enhanced practicality.
Style-wise, the two-door powerhouse draws eyes with its old-school muscle car look, while the four-door Charger sports a modern, bold sedan design that still stands out on the road.
As a grand finale, Dodge introduced exclusive Last Call editions for 2023. These are limited runs that pay tribute to classic muscle cars from the past, commemorating the end of these two iconic vehicles in their current forms.
Looking ahead, the Dodge Charger should hold its value a bit better. This is based on factors such as maintenance, repairs, fuel costs, insurance, and depreciation. If you plan on keeping your vehicle for more than five years, the Charger may be the way to go.
Experience Your Ideal Dodge at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Lewisville
As 2023 marks the final year for these automotive legends as we know them, this is your opportunity to own a piece of car history. Our knowledgeable team at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Lewisville is ready to show you the outstanding features of each model and help you find the perfect vehicle. Contact us today to arrange a test drive and experience the raw power of these automotive marvels firsthand.