The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger have long been staples of American muscle car history. They share a legacy of performance, power, and bold designs.
Yet, these two vehicles cater to different types of drivers, offering distinct advantages depending on preferences. If you are deciding between the two or just curious about their differences, this guide breaks it all down.
A Quick History of Dodge Charger and Challenger
Dodge Charger: A Legacy of Versatility
The Dodge Charger debuted in 1966 as a sleek two-door coupe, designed to compete with other muscle cars of its time. Over the years, the Charger evolved into a more practical four-door sedan, balancing family-friendly features with raw performance.
Today, it’s recognized as one of the few full-size sedans in the market offering high-performance V8 engines.
Dodge Challenger: A True Muscle Car
Introduced in 1970, the Dodge Challenger was Dodge’s answer to the pony car craze dominated by the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
It has stayed true to its roots as a two-door coupe, emphasizing straight-line speed and a retro-inspired design. With its wide stance and classic aesthetics, the Challenger is a favorite among purists.
Dodge Charger vs Challenger: Side by Side Comparison
Both the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger offer incredible power, performance, and style. They share similar engine options but differ in terms of body style, passenger capacity, and overall driving experience.
The Charger, a 4-door sedan, leans more towards practicality for daily driving, while the Challenger, a 2-door coupe, delivers a more traditional muscle car feel.
Now, let’s look at a detailed comparison to better understand the key differences and similarities between the two models:
| Feature | Dodge Charger | Dodge Challenger |
| Body Style | 4-door sedan | 2-door coupe |
| Base Engine | 3.6L V6 (292 hp) | 3.6L V6 (303 hp) |
| Mid-Range Engine | 5.7L HEMI V8 (370 hp) | 5.7L HEMI V8 (375 hp) |
| Performance Engine | 6.4L HEMI V8 (485 hp) | 6.4L HEMI V8 (485 hp) |
| Top Engine | Hellcat Redeye 6.2L V8 (797 hp) | Super Stock 6.2L V8 (807 hp) |
| 0-60 MPH (Top Trim) | 3.5 seconds | 3.25 seconds |
| Top Speed | 204 mph | 203 mph |
| Fuel Economy (V6) | 19-30 mpg | 19-30 mpg |
| Fuel Economy (V8) | 15-25 mpg | 15-22 mpg |
| Transmission Options | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual |
| Drive Options | RWD or AWD (V6 only) | RWD or AWD (V6 only) |
| Wheelbase | 120.0 inches | 116.2 inches |
| Length | 198.4 inches | 197.9 inches |
| Width | 75.0 inches | 75.7 inches |
| Height | 57.8 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Passenger Volume | 104.7 cubic feet | 93.9 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume | 16.5 cubic feet | 16.2 cubic feet |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 4 passengers |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gallons | 18.5 gallons |
| Base Curb Weight | 3,957 lbs | 3,841 lbs |
| Design Style | Modern muscle sedan | Retro-inspired muscle coupe |
| Key Advantage | Better daily driver practicality | More traditional muscle car experience |
Both vehicles share some powerful engine choices, but the Charger offers more passenger and cargo space, making it better for families or long trips. Meanwhile, the Challenger stays true to the muscle car roots, providing a more iconic, aggressive driving experience.
Challenger vs Charger: Which is faster
Let’s dive into this muscle car showdown between the Dodge Challenger and Charger. Their speed really depends on which trim level we’re talking about – both cars come with several different engine options that dramatically affect performance.
At the top end, the Challenger SRT Super Stock slightly edges out the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Super Stock sprints from 0-60 mph in just 3.25 seconds, while the Charger Hellcat Redeye does it in about 3.5 seconds. Both cars use variations of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, but the Challenger Super Stock packs 807 horsepower compared to the Charger Hellcat Redeye’s 797.
But here’s where it gets interesting – the Challenger Super Stock has the higher top speed on paper at 203 mph, yet the Charger Hellcat Redeye can actually hit 204 mph. This comes down to aerodynamics – the Charger’s sleeker four-door design cuts through the air more efficiently at high speeds.
For the lower trim levels, they’re pretty evenly matched. Take the R/T models with the 5.7L HEMI V8 – both cars do 0-60 mph in around 5.1 seconds. The Scat Pack models with their 485-horsepower 6.4L HEMI V8s are also neck-and-neck, hitting 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds.
In real-world driving, you’d be hard-pressed to notice much difference between equivalent trim levels. The Challenger feels a bit more old-school muscle car, while the Charger delivers its performance with a slightly more refined edge.
Dodge Charger vs Challenger price
The Dodge Charger starts at around $33,200 for the base SXT trim, which comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a range of comfort and tech features. As you move up the trims, such as the R/T or the performance-focused SRT Hellcat, prices increase significantly. The Charger SRT Hellcat starts at approximately $71,000, offering a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with massive power and thrilling acceleration.
On the other hand, the Dodge Challenger begins at a slightly lower starting price of around $31,100 for the base SXT trim. Like the Charger, the Challenger offers several performance variants, including the R/T and SRT Hellcat models.
The Challenger SRT Hellcat is priced similarly to the Charger, starting at around $70,000. Both Hellcat models offer the same powerful supercharged V8, but the Challenger’s coupe design gives it a slightly different driving feel, emphasizing agility.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Dodge Charger and Challenger boils down to your priorities:
- Dodge Charger: A practical muscle car for those who need extra space without sacrificing performance. Perfect for families or long commutes.
- Dodge Challenger: A classic coupe for enthusiasts who value style, nostalgia, and thrilling acceleration.
Difference between Dodge Charger and Challenger 1970
The 1970 Dodge Charger and 1970 Dodge Challenger both offered iconic muscle car experiences but had notable differences in size, performance, and style.
Both cars offered an impressive array of engine options that helped define their performance. The Charger started with a base 318 cubic inch (5.2L) V8 engine, with upgrades available to a 383 cubic inch (6.3L) V8. The top-tier engine in the Charger lineup was the legendary 426 HEMI V8, producing 425 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines of its time.
Meanwhile, the Challenger offered similar base engine choices with the 318 V8 and a step-up 340 cubic inch (5.6L) V8. Performance enthusiasts could opt for the 426 HEMI V8 or the 440 Six Pack (7.2L), which provided 390 horsepower. The Challenger’s lighter weight, however, gave it a nimble edge over the Charger, delivering quicker handling without sacrificing power.
In 1970, the Charger started at around $3,000, while the Challenger was priced lower, starting at about $2,800.
The Charger 1970 boasted a larger, fastback design, providing more interior space and comfort, making it suitable for longer drives or families. On the other hand, the Challenger 1970 had a more compact design, prioritizing agility and a sportier driving experience, making it more performance-oriented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Charger and Challenger?
The Charger is a four-door sedan offering practicality and comfort, while the Challenger is a two-door coupe focusing on retro style and raw performance.
Which is faster, the Dodge Charger or Dodge Challenger?
While both models offer similar engines, the Challenger’s lighter weight gives it a slight edge in acceleration.
Is the Dodge Charger family-friendly?
Yes, with its spacious interior, four doors, and advanced safety features, the Charger is ideal for families.
Why is Dodge discontinuing the Charger and Challenger?
Dodge is discontinuing the Charger and Challenger due to its shift toward electrification and the production of next-generation performance vehicles. The company aims to align with industry trends and government regulations focusing on reducing emissions. Dodge plans to introduce electric muscle cars, marking a new era for the brand while honoring its performance legacy.
Conclusion
Both the Dodge Charger and Challenger deliver exceptional muscle car performance, but they cater to different lifestyles. The Charger excels in practicality and family-friendliness, while the Challenger embodies the spirit of a traditional muscle car. Your choice depends on whether you need everyday usability or a nostalgic driving experience.
