Should I come back?

[Notagain]

Huh? this is like calling a 2010 Chrysler 300 a Hellcat because they share the same chassis........ LOL

The 2018 has gen3 engine and 10 speed auto.

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[Wally]

I really like the Challenger except for one thing. It's BIG. If Dodge would shrink it down I would consider one.

It is indeed a big car. I have gotten used to it but the mustang was more agile and I felt more "cocooned" in the cabin than with the challenger. The mustang was also happier to take corners although I did have a good amount of Steeda suspension upgrades on the GT.

If you get the 10 speed it seems to be worth it.

It is really more about the whole package for me. The 8 speed ZF auto in the challenger is good, much better than the old 6 speed auto in the 15-17 mustangs.

I am happy to write about my 18 GT and how much I love the car. I have had Hondas, Subaru WRX's, VW's, Miatas, a 2011 Camaro SS and most recently a 1985 C4 Corvette and a 2017 Camaro RS. I traded in the Corvette and Camaro RS for the GT. The C4 I put so much into and it still need so much more work. It was a torque monster though. And my 2017 Camaro RS, V6 automatic 8 speed was supposed to be my last car- to retire with- a good MPG, relatively fast, good handling car. I loved the car but the automatic 8 speed was so bad- mine had the "shuddering" issue. Never liked the way it shifted anyway and the shuddering issue and it sitting at the dealers more than I was driving it.

OK, I was not even looking at Mustangs- I was looking for another Camaro- with M/T and also used C7 Corvettes. I test drove a 17 GT, did not like it at all. Then I test drove my 18 GT (M/T) only to rule it out- had 0 expectations, expected to hate it, start it up, drive around the block and say no thank you. The opposite happened- I loved the car- the start up, the sound, the looks, interior, the visibility, the ergonomics. I test drove it 2 times- loved the way it shifts- the feel of the shifter is Miata-like and the dual mass flywheel is just plain awesome. The feel and handling of the car is just awesome- compared to my Camaro, 85 Vette and also my 2016 WRX. The rev's drop so nicely for shifting gears- and the sound is music to my ears- I don't even turn on the radio. My WRX by comparison had such a bad rev hang- it was awful. And it tracks so good- so laser straight- might be the best tracking car I ever had. I have had my GT 2 months and 1K miles on it so far. The fit, finish, paint are all excellent to me. Mine has no rattles, everything works great. It's just a base GT- only option is the black out package but I will not track it so I don't care. And for 30K what a deal. And oh, the gas mileage- I average 24- on 87 octane. I am amazed. My 2011 Camaro SS got 19 with a tail wind on the highway going a steady 70 on 93 octane. And it's close to my 2017 Camaro with the V6- I got 26. So yes I absolutely love the car- more by the day actually- and I get compliments on it everywhere I go. My neighbor said it was by far her favorite car out of any that I have had over the past 3 years. .

Thanks for your feedback and I'm glad you are enjoying the mustang so much! I have thought about camaro but I just don't care for the appearance or interior styling.

I did pretty close to the OP. '16 GT to '16 Scat Pack to '18 GT. None of this makes financial sense, but boys will be boys.

I'm completely happy with my '18 GT, both on its own and compared to the Challenger I had.

A little background:
I wanted a 392 Challenger. In late 2015 the Scat Packs were pretty rare and SRTs were stickering at $50K+. So I bought a Mustang to scratch the V8 itch. It was a base GT with PP that I got for under $28K. A year later Scat Packs were pretty available with good incentives and my Mustang was worth near what I paid for it, so I started looking. I really wanted a manual, which limited the choices quite a bit. I ended up with a loaded Scat Pack Shaker, ironically stickering at $50K+. This summer I decided that being old and looking to relocate soon it would be wise to part with the fun car. After a lot of hemming and hawing I listed the Challenger for sale. I got 0 response, not even a scammer! At this point mentally the car was gone, so I started looking at alternatives. I flirted with a 1SS 1LE, but I just don't like the look and I really don't like the interior. I started looking at '18 GTs, found a car I liked and made a deal. I've owned several Mustangs over the years, including my first car, a '67 fastback, so this feels like home.

On the street I believe a 392 Challenger and Mustang GT are a pretty even match. The Challenger has a big, fat, lovely torque curve. Everywhere in the RPM range there's torque. It's a lot like a big block from the 60s. The Coyote is a revver, but we all know that. Being a PP1 car the lower rear helps. The new MT82 gearing helps keep it in the sweet spot too. 500 pounds lighter helps too.

I felt like I could drive my Challenger every bit as fast on back roads as I could my GT. Being back in a GT it still holds pretty much true. The thing I've noticed is that the GT is easier to drive fast. In the Challenger you're always aware of the size and weight, it could be fatiguing to drive fast. Personally, I find the GT much more enjoyable, but I had a really good time in my Challenger.

The size of the Challenger is a blessing and a curse. The interior is roomy, with a usable back seat. The trunk is huge. It's a very comfortable ride. It also feels heavy and a bigger car all around. The Mustang isn't near as roomy inside, but it's very comfortable, at least for 2.

Styling is subjective. I think the Challenger is the best of the retro looks. It hasn't changed much since it came back, but they nailed the look of the iconic generation. S550 Mustang is a much more modern look that I personally really love. I really hated the 1980s base stereo in my '16, so made sure to get Sync 3 this time. The Premium interior is lovely, but could have easily lived with cloth seats.

This is a shame - My Challenger had better panel fit than either Mustang. The '18 is better than the '16, but it's just sad that FCA can do it better than Ford. A good body man could correct it all in an hour or 2, but really?

Sorry this got long, but figured I've actually done what the OP is contemplating.

You are exactly the guy I wanted hear from, thank you! I am not dead set on making the jump back to mustang yet but this certainly helps.

 

[SiMuL]

I just want to chime in here and say that you do you, always! Don't worry about what everyone else here is saying about money, this, or that. WTF is life for, other than to enjoy?

How many of our old and dying, laying on their death beds, have to tell us young bucks what's important in life before we actually listen?! Do you think it's the amount of money we save NOT doing the things that we want to?

Do what makes you happy, every single time! Money literally DOES grow on trees and there's a relatively endless supply for most of us.

 

[BmacIL]

It is really more about the whole package for me. The 8 speed ZF auto in the challenger is good, much better than the old 6 speed auto in the 15-17 mustangs.

It's more than just the shifting speed. The 10 speed has ratios that are amazingly well-suited to the Gen 3 Coyote and that keeps it in peak power all the time when at WOT. The gains of the Gen 3 at 6500+ are very significant, and it keeps it there.That's a big, big part of why bone stock cars are capable of going 11.8-12.0.

 

[Austinj427]

If you don't love the car, why own it?

Go test drive a 19 with the a10, see if you love that one.

 

[Vato]

This thread helps me see that the grass isn't greener on the other side. I have been on the fence a few times for a scatpack charger. However, every time I decide to keep what I have. I'm sure I'd be happy with the Scatpack but I know I'd miss the stang.

I've had mine for a little over a year and almost 20k miles. I haven't (knock on wood) had any issues with it. I daily drive mine. I really have no reason to replace this car but some of the features in the 18 make a lot of sense. For instance, 30 extra hp, rev match, going PP1 or preferably PP2, Recaro's but only available in PP2, active exhaust, and finally something I noticed was the steering wheel is now thicker. I thought that was the cherry on top.

Anyway, do what you want man. We all try to make excuses including myself to help justify things but it's only for yourself to evaluate. Don't worry what anyone says. Go 18 mustang but the only thing I would be careful with, is the transmission you choose. The manual transmission has been a setback for some. Their cars have been in the shop for awhile. I believe Ford now has a sold TSB to fix the shift fork. I think it all comes down to how hard you're going to be on your car. If I wasn't an occasional road course track guy, I'd get the 10spd auto.

 

[subbz]

Have the same problems switching cars. Had my fun for awhile with the 15 Mustang with 6speed then went and got a 16 Focus ST that I had fun modding. Now I'm back with the 18 Mustang and I love it. Ended up switching to the 10R80 and it's a beast of car compared to the 15. Not much power train loss and you're always in the power band with the 10 speed. If you're planning on getting the new Mustang I highly suggest getting the 10 speed to really feel the difference between your old Mustang. Only downside is missing driving a manual.

 

[The_Phantom]

This post is ironic for me as I wanted, BADLY, a new Hellcat or Scat Pack Challenger before purchasing my GT. Just couldn't make the numbers work for me though, so I found myself back in a Mustang.

My unbiased personal vote is keep the Challenger. IMO it's the best looking of the big 3 and has a ton of space. I think the '18 GT is faster in a straight line, but for me speed isn't everything. I absolutely loved my '14 R/T Challenger and if I had it to do over again, I may have bought a Challenger this time as well.

Either way you wind up with a nice car.

 

[Zinc03svt]

Keep your Dodge. We need less mustangs on the street. Lol.

 

[99Zeus99]

Keep your Dodge. We need less mustangs on the street. Lol.

I agree with this. Bleeding Ford Blue is a privilege not to be taken lightly. From Henry Ford, to Carroll Shelby to beating Enzo Ferrari at LeMans, it's an American tradition like no other. Dodge wouldn't even be around if they hadn't made money working for Ford. Ten million Mustangs have been sold since 1964. If mine is one of the few new ones around here, I'm cool with it.

 

[NDALLAS40]

Hey Wally. First off, congrats on the "better financial situation" you find yourself in at the moment. Better is always better! Second and foremost: Screw what anybody tells you about wasting money. I'm an old guy, (north of 50), and I made the mistake of settling for a vehicle that fit the budget but was not what a I really wanted. Several times. If you are a car guy, which you seem to be, get the car that makes you smile. It will always cost you a little more dinero, but it will be worth it. When it comes to cars and women, DO NOT settle for less. Learn from an old farts mistakes. You won't regret it.

 

[Loki-GT]

You’re absolutely right, those issues are fixable. I guess it’s more about the fact that I don’t really love the car, and the desire to get that feeling back with the mustang.

I can confirm that the Scat isn't faster. I've raced several of them at the drag strip and easily beat all of them, including once when advanced trac kicked in during 2 to 3 and 3 to 4, still passed him. I like the various versions of the MOPAR but honestly agree with you, there is a different feeling in the Mustang. As for rattles every car gets them, some sooner than others. So far my 18 GT has been silent as a tomb, we'll see how long that lasts.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[Wally]

Hey Wally. First off, congrats on the "better financial situation" you find yourself in at the moment. Better is always better! Second and foremost: Screw what anybody tells you about wasting money. I'm an old guy, (north of 50), and I made the mistake of settling for a vehicle that fit the budget but was not what a I really wanted. Several times. If you are a car guy, which you seem to be, get the car that makes you smile. It will always cost you a little more dinero, but it will be worth it. When it comes to cars and women, DO NOT settle for less. Learn from an old farts mistakes. You won't regret it.

Hi Eric, thanks for the encouragement. You hit the nail on the head. I have thought about this for a while now and I know it is not a smart decision...financially speaking. I am tired of settling though. I want exactly what I want and I am in a position to have it and still be comfortable. I understand the guys telling me how stupid it is and I appreciate what I assume is them trying to stop me from screwing myself, but I am 35, not a college kid buying his first new car. I am still reading up on the 18-19 refresh and looking around but haven't gone to drive one yet. We will see how it goes.

 

[Loki-GT]

Hey Wally. First off, congrats on the "better financial situation" you find yourself in at the moment. Better is always better! Second and foremost: Screw what anybody tells you about wasting money. I'm an old guy, (north of 50), and I made the mistake of settling for a vehicle that fit the budget but was not what a I really wanted. Several times. If you are a car guy, which you seem to be, get the car that makes you smile. It will always cost you a little more dinero, but it will be worth it. When it comes to cars and women, DO NOT settle for less. Learn from an old farts mistakes. You won't regret it.

As another north of 50 old fart I agree 1000%.

 

[Loki-GT]

Hi Eric, thanks for the encouragement. You hit the nail on the head. I have thought about this for a while now and I know it is not a smart decision...financially speaking. I am tired of settling though. I want exactly what I want and I am in a position to have it and still be comfortable. I understand the guys telling me how stupid it is and I appreciate what I assume is them trying to stop me from screwing myself, but I am 35, not a college kid buying his first new car. I am still reading up on the 18-19 refresh and looking around but haven't gone to drive one yet. We will see how it goes.

Warning, you test drive the auto in drag mode, you will be sold instantly.

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