Clump
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- Nov 19, 2015
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- Location
- Frederick, MD
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- 2019 Ranger
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- #1
On 12/23/16 I traded my Mustang GT on a 16 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker, 6 speed manual. I really enjoyed the Mustang and had no problems with it. I started looking at Challengers on a whim, found out the money side of it worked and a test drive sealed the deal. I’ve had a chance to drive it on a lot of the fun roads that I drove the Mustang on. Here’s a little comparison.
I’ll try to keep this as objective as possible. I like the styling of both cars a lot. My Mustang was a base GT with Performance Pack and rear parking sensors. The Challenger is loaded. Comparing interiors, etc. isn’t apples to apples. I do wish a sunroof was available on the Mustang.
Power –
I don’t know if the Challenger is as much more powerful as it feels. It feels WAY faster. I think it’s a matter of cubic inches and a big flat torque curve. The gears seem perfectly matched to the engine. Easy to do with all the torque. You know how when you’re 10th in line behind the slow poke in the Prius you need to downshift? Not so much in the Challenger. Torque is always there. It doesn’t have the 4500 RPM rush that the GT has. Power is steady across the RPM range.
Handling –
The Challenger is a bigger heavier car. When driving you can feel the weight. I’m able to drive it on Mexican roads at the same speed I drove the Mustang, but it requires a little more attention. The Mustang is more planted and deals with bumps in corners better. I imagine on a road course or autocross the Mustang would be quicker. Handling was my biggest concern and I found on the test drive that it handles really well.
Brakes –
No contest. Challenger has really good brakes (4 piston Brembos). GT PP has GREAT brakes. I never drove anything that stopped like my GT. On the plus side the Challenger brakes don’t throw anywhere near the dust that the PP brakes do.
Just a couple of other things. There’s a decent aftermarket for Challengers. It’s a dribble compared to the Mustang aftermarket. The U Connect infotainment system is well reviewed and I do like it. 1 annoyance is that it can’t be turned off. You can mute it and blank the screen, but it’s still on.
If you look at specs they are almost identical width, but Challenger interior feels a lot roomier. The car is much squarer than a Mustang. It’s 9” longer. Both ride pretty stiff. The SRT version has adjustable suspension that probably helps.
I’m a child of the ‘60s and ‘70s and to me the Challenger is more of a classic muscle car, where Mustang and Camaro have moved more into the sports car area. I also think Dodge did the best retro styling of them all and love what they did with the ’15 refresh.
Pics or it didn't happen
I’ll try to keep this as objective as possible. I like the styling of both cars a lot. My Mustang was a base GT with Performance Pack and rear parking sensors. The Challenger is loaded. Comparing interiors, etc. isn’t apples to apples. I do wish a sunroof was available on the Mustang.
Power –
I don’t know if the Challenger is as much more powerful as it feels. It feels WAY faster. I think it’s a matter of cubic inches and a big flat torque curve. The gears seem perfectly matched to the engine. Easy to do with all the torque. You know how when you’re 10th in line behind the slow poke in the Prius you need to downshift? Not so much in the Challenger. Torque is always there. It doesn’t have the 4500 RPM rush that the GT has. Power is steady across the RPM range.
Handling –
The Challenger is a bigger heavier car. When driving you can feel the weight. I’m able to drive it on Mexican roads at the same speed I drove the Mustang, but it requires a little more attention. The Mustang is more planted and deals with bumps in corners better. I imagine on a road course or autocross the Mustang would be quicker. Handling was my biggest concern and I found on the test drive that it handles really well.
Brakes –
No contest. Challenger has really good brakes (4 piston Brembos). GT PP has GREAT brakes. I never drove anything that stopped like my GT. On the plus side the Challenger brakes don’t throw anywhere near the dust that the PP brakes do.
Just a couple of other things. There’s a decent aftermarket for Challengers. It’s a dribble compared to the Mustang aftermarket. The U Connect infotainment system is well reviewed and I do like it. 1 annoyance is that it can’t be turned off. You can mute it and blank the screen, but it’s still on.
If you look at specs they are almost identical width, but Challenger interior feels a lot roomier. The car is much squarer than a Mustang. It’s 9” longer. Both ride pretty stiff. The SRT version has adjustable suspension that probably helps.
I’m a child of the ‘60s and ‘70s and to me the Challenger is more of a classic muscle car, where Mustang and Camaro have moved more into the sports car area. I also think Dodge did the best retro styling of them all and love what they did with the ’15 refresh.
Pics or it didn't happen
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