03-26-08: Chrysler has now unveiled the entire line of 2009 Dodge Challengers from the 3.5 liter base model V6 SE with 250hp, Dodge Challenger R/T with an upgraded 370/375hp 5.7 liter Hemi V8 as well as the fire-breathing 425hp 6.1 liter SRT8. Now that the cards are on the table, we can take a good look at the whole enchilada and see how the new Dodge Boy compares to the Mustang.
The first thing that has to be laid out is the fact that the Dodge Challenger is a much larger and heavier car than the Mustang. Weighing in at 3720 lbs. for the V6, 4041 lbs for the R/T, and 4170 lbs. for the SRT8, the Challenger weighs about 400-500 lbs. more than a comparable Mustang. This is like driving your Mustang around with 2-3 of your biggest buddies in the car with you.
The Challenger has a 116” wheelbase, a significant 9 ” longer than the Mustang's 107". In overall size, the Challenger is 197” long which is a full 10” longer than the Ford. Our point? when comparing these two muscle car's horsepower you should keep in mind that they are vastly different in size and weight. Our comparison charts below will show how that relates to the most important bench racing number here; power to weight ratio.
That aside, Chrysler has to be commended for putting a lot of good things into the Challenger when it comes to mechanicals. The mid-level R/T model which will be largely compared to the Mustang GT features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. These things sound pretty good under full throttle.
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The 5.7 liter Hemi features fuel-saving multi-displacement (MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent depending on driving conditions without sacrificing vehicle performance. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a six-speed manual transmission horsepower is up slightly at 375 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque with the manual. Advantage goes to Challenger as Mustang GT only offers a five-speed manual.
The top of the line Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The SRT8 can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds. But as our previous article on the Challenger SRT8 points out, it's not likely knock the Shelby GT-500 in performance as it weighs more and has less power.
The base Dodge Challenger SE powered by Chrysler's 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission. The combination produces 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. Unlike the Mustang, the Challenger V6 will not offer a manual transmission. The 3.5 liter V6 is a well praised engine that revs freely and enjoys a high level of refinement compared to Mustang’s noisy and rough 210hp 4.0 SOHC V6, who’s architecture dates back to the stone age. Advantage Challenger.
Where the Challenger will really lay waste on the Mustang is in its world class chassis. It's patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, a platform derived from the last generation Mercedes E-Class sedans. Most noted is its top-shelf five-link independent rear suspension system that provides excellent ride and handling characteristics that Mustang‘s century-old live-axle design cant match. At some point Ford is going to have to start making a modern chassis for the Mustang or this will continue to be an Achilles heel for the pony.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. So yes it's an American car. But it's not made in America. A minor distinction.
Overall we believe the Challenger will provide a sales challenge to Mustang in the pony-car market. But due to the inherent price, size and weight differences the comparison will never be apples to apples. What about performance? That will have to wait until real world comparison tests are published. In the meantime we have put together some vital dimensions and mechanical statistics for you to consider on your own.
While our statistical comparisons here look at 2009 to 2009 models, keep in mind that the new 2010 Mustang is coming next year. This car will be essentially the same in size and weight as the current Mustang, but is rumored to bring new horsepower figures to even the score a bit. We will see. |
