Dodge Charger vs Dodge Challenger (Which One Is Better?)
Are you stuck between buying the Dodge Challenger or the Dodge Charger? If yes, several others are in the same dilemma. A Dodge Challenger is a two-door coupe with seating space for five passengers.
On the other hand, a Dodge Charger is a four-door Sedan with a space allowance of five passengers.
If you prefer a muscular car with adequate space in the cabin and trunk, the Dodge Charger could be it. Assuming you want advanced features even in the base model, the Dodge Challenger wins.
“People feel confused when selecting the best truck between the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger because they are equally good. Picking the winner is hard unless you consider a specific parameter like the number of doors.”
In our Dodge Charger vs Dodge Challenger guide, we will explore the similarities and differences between the two cars.
Dodge Charger Overview
A four-door muscle car, the Dodge Charger is a popular car choice for people with more cash.
Although it has not changed much since the current generation model came up in 2011, the Dodge Charger is still the popular choice.
Offering various engines and trim levels, the Charger got a makeover in 2015. After that, not much on it has changed so far.
However, the current year (2023) model offers a Deluxe Security alarm on high trim levels.
One can easily group this Sedan among the Chrysler 300, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. Unfortunately, the Dodge Charger is a low-fuel economy car.
For instance, the Hellcat manages only 12 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Also Check > How Much Reliable The Dodge Charger Is !
Dodge Challenger Overview
If interested in a more classic muscular Coupe, the Dodge Challenger makes a good pick. Like the Dodge Charger, it has many trim levels and engine options.
Base models are SXT and GT, and without the optional all-wheel drive, they offer a fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Other advanced models, such as the Challenger R/T models have the 5.7L V8 engine with a six-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Dodge Challenger models are more affordable than Chargers and offer better fuel economy.
Dodge Charger vs Dodge Challenger :(Side by Side Comparison)
In this section we will reveal the differences between the two Dodge vehicles. Before then, let us talk about what is like them. First, they are both Dodge cars with massive user support.
Secondly, their base models use the 3.6L V6 engine with a difference in horsepower and torque.
Additionally, these Dodge cars offer many engine versions, several trim levels, and the same passenger seating capacity.
What Next? we will compare them based on their differences.
01. Engine versions
Dodge Challenger
When purchasing the Dodge Challenger, you will have the privilege to choose an engine from an extensive list.
Other than the 3.6Liter, 305hp V6 base engine, other options include the following:
- 5.7-liter V6 engine offering 375hp. Also, you can choose a manual transmission offering 375hp or an automatic transmission with 372hp.
- 6.4L V8 engine with 485hp
- 6.2L V8 engine offering 707hp
- A V8 engine for the 2022 Challenger SRT Demon offering 840 horsepower.
Dodge Charger
In contrast, the Dodge Charger offers six engine versions. Like the Dodge Challenger, its base engine is the 3.6L V6 with slightly less horsepower(292hp). Other engine options include:
- A 3.6L V6 engine with 300hp
- A 5.7L V8 engine with 370hp
- A 6.4L V8 engine with 485hp
- A V8 supercharged engine with up to 707 horsepower.
Winner- Dodge Challenger
Although Dodge beasts have different engine versions, the Dodge Challenger has more powerful engines.
Although the Charger offers a 5.7L V8 with 370 horsepower, the Dodge Challenger offers a 5.7L V6 with two transmission options.
Also, the Dodge Challenger provides a superior 840hp V8 engine. None of the Dodge Charger’s engines has this much power.
02. Trims
One excellent thing about the Dodge Challenger and Charger is that they offer many model trims. Here is how they compare:
Dodge Challenger
- DC SXT
- DC GT
- DC R/T
- DC R/T Scat Pack
- DC Hellcat
- DC Hellcat Widebody
- DC Hellcat Redeye
- DC Hellcat Redeye Widebody.
Dodge Charger
- Dodge Charger SXT
- Dodge Charger GT
- Dodge Charger R/T
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.
Winner: Dodge Challenger
Although both have excellent models, the Dodge Challenger is a clear winner because it offers an extensive list of choices.
03. Seating Capacity and Space
When comparing between Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, you cannot ignore their seating capacity and overall storage space. See how the two differ in this context next:
Dodge Challenger
Although a big car with superb power, the Dodge Challenger does not offer as much room in the cabin and trunk because it has a wider rear.
As a two-door car, the Dodge Challenger’s cabin can only accommodate five travelers.
Regarding cabin space for the head and legs, the Dodge Challenger does not offer much. As for storage space, there is some in the trunk.
Dodge Charger
Here comes the best truck if you need to carry travelers and cargo. As four-door car, the Dodge Charger has an expansive cabin and trunk.
Like the Dodge Challenger, it can only host five passengers, but they will have more foot and head space.
Winner: Dodge Charger
When choosing between the two based on the seating capacity and storage area size, the Dodge Charger wins easily.
04. Features
When focusing on their features, both Dodge cars have several options. Let us see how their features differ:
Dodge Challenger
Anyone interested in a Dodge vehicle with as many standard and exceptional features as possible will be happy to pick the Dodge Challenger.
Some of its standard features include keyless ignition and entry, Android Auto Smartphone Integration, a rearview camera, an Apple CarPlay, etc.
Apart from fundamental features, the Dodge Challenger has additional ones, including the dual-zone automatic climate control. Also, it offers an automatically dimming rearview mirror.
Dodge Charger
A Dodge Charger provides all the standard features of the Dodge Challenger.
Some include a six-speaker audio system, a 7-inch touchscreen display, a steering wheel with mounted audio control buttons, and adjustable front-row seats.
Winner: Dodge Challenger
Both base models provide similar standard features, including cloth upholstery. However, the challenger base model is more advanced as it has additional features.
Someone looking to have these extra features in a Charger might have to upgrade to a superior trim.
Thus, they must spend more money to have some of the features found in the Challenger base model.
05. Performance
Based on their base engine, how does the performance of these Dodges vary? Read the answer below:
Dodge Challenger
As noted earlier, the Dodge Challenger has a 3.6-liter V6 base engine like the Charger.
Nevertheless, the Dodge Challenger’s base engine boasts more horsepower and torque. Boasting 305hp and 268lb-ft of torque, the Dodge Challenger’s base engine is slightly better.
Dodge Charger
Without a doubt, the Dodge Charger has the same base engine as the Dodge Challenger. Nonetheless, its engine puts out 292hp and 264lb-ft torque.
Besides, it has seventeen-inch painted cast aluminum wheels while the Dodge Challenger offers larger 18-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels.
Like the Dodge Challenger base engine, the Dodge Charger’s engine has variable valve timing, high-flow exhaust ports, integrated speed control, electronic throttle control, and dual overhead camshafts.
Winner: Dodge Challenger
Although both vehicles offer a top-notch rear-wheel drive system, the Dodge Challenger is more muscular due to larger wheelbases and a more powerful base engine. If you select the V8 models, the performance between the two will be similar.
06. Pricing
How do Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger prices differ?
Dodge Challenger
There is not much to write about their price differences. But if we consider the cheapest base model, the Dodge Challenger is the clear winner.
With its price starting at 30,000 dollars or more, the Dodge Challenger is slightly affordable.
Dodge Charger
Generally, Dodge Charger models are more expensive. Since the base model price begins at or above 31,000 dollars, you can expect the superior models to cost more money.
We will try to explain the reasons why Dodge Chargers are costlier.
Winner: Dodge Challenger
Although the two models advertise different price levels, the Dodge Challenger is more affordable.
Is a Dodge Charger a More Better Muscle Car?
Yes, the Dodge Charger is one of the most renowned muscular sedans in the US.
Suitable as a passenger and a cargo car, the base Dodge Charger uses the 3.6L V6 engine with a horsepower of 292.
Due to many engines and trims, the Dodge charger is a powerful machine.
Which is better? Is it the Challenger or the Charger?
Now, here is the trickiest question. Deciding the best between these two muscular vehicles is tough.
Overall, our analysis above shows that the Dodge Challenger can be a better choice. We do not mean that the Dodge Charger is a poor choice.
Instead, we feel that the correct choice is personal. If you want a model with a classic muscular body, choose the Coupe.
On the other hand, select the Sedan if you need a more spacious and comfortable Dodge car. Remember that Dodge Chargers are more expensive.
So, you need to ensure your budget is high enough. Chargers are not fuel-efficient, so you should recall that when shopping around.
Why is the Charger more expensive than the Dodge Challenger?
A Dodge Charger is more expensive than the Dodge Challenger because it is newer. Since the Dodge Challenger has not seen any upgrades since the last one in 2008, its price is lower.
On the other hand, the manufacturer upgraded the Charger in 2015. Due to that face-lift, it is costlier. Additionally, the Dodge Charger is a larger car than the Challenger.
Hence, it might cost more money to produce. As a result, the manufacturer must compensate for the expenditure by raising the pricing slightly.
What that means to you is that when you need spare parts, they will still be more expensive. Thus, consider the Charger’s buying cost and lifetime maintenance costs before buying it.
Concerning the excessive cost, you can still get a used Charger at a cheaper rate. However, a comparable Dodge Challenger has a lower price.
If the higher price does not matter, get the classier and more aesthetically attractive Dodge Charger.
People Also Ask
What is the reliability of the Dodge Charger?
An average reliability score for the Dodge Charger is 51.9. Thus, it is not a very dependable car compared to similar Sedans.
Even the base model, SXT, offers 19 mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway. A base Challenger offers 18mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway.
What ruins the Dodge Chargers’ reliability is mostly the low fuel efficiency.
Dodge Charger Vs Challenger: Which one is safer to drive?
Dodge does not include basic safety features to assist the drivers. Thus, both cars have never won the Top Safety Pick award by IIHS.
Neither of them is safer unless you get the company’s Technology package.
These being additional features, it means you will pay extra money for them.
They include adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, automatic high-beam headlamps, Parkview Rear backup camera, etc.
If you want to avoid the extra cost to ensure your safety, neither Dodge Challenger nor Dodge Charger is your best pick.
What makes the Dodge Charger more popular than the Challenger?
Regarded as the country’s only four-door muscle car, the Dodge Charger boasts more popularity. As of now, it is still as popular as it was when it first came out in 1966.
It is the streamlined body silhouette that people love or its aerodynamic contours. Due to its wider physique and less weight, the Dodge Charger is more stable.
On the other hand, the Dodge Challenger has more metal and weight. Thus, it is more muscular, less stable, and less popular.
Final Words
Have you enjoyed our discussion between Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger ? By now we believe you can choose between the two.
While both are high-performance vehicles, you must focus on your specific needs.
If you can afford a Dodge Charger, it can make a great family car due to more passenger and cargo space.
In contrast, choose the Dodge Challenger if you need advanced features and more muscle.
