Dodge Brings Back Gasoline Charger: Comparison with Ford Mustang
After a long period where Dodge seemed to have abandoned the muscle car market, the company is returning with a gasoline-powered Charger. Orders for the new model will open on August 11th, with the first deliveries starting in the coming months.
But is the Charger worth choosing over the Ford Mustang? Let’s compare these two coupes based on key parameters.
Engines and Power
The new Charger has exhaust pipes, but they are not connected to a V8; instead, they are hooked up to a 3.0-liter inline-six Hurricane engine from Stellantis. The base R/T version produces 420 hp (426 PS) and 635 Nm of torque, while the Scat Pack delivers 550 hp (557 PS) and 720 Nm.
“Ford does not offer a six-cylinder engine for the Mustang, starting with the economical 2.3-liter Ecoboost with 315 hp (319 PS)”
Although the Hurricane’s sound falls short of the Ford Coyote V8, it has more power and torque at lower RPMs, which could provide an advantage on the road.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Here, the cars take different paths. The Mustang offers a manual transmission, which is important for enthusiasts, but it lacks all-wheel drive. The Charger, on the contrary, comes standard with all-wheel drive but allows the front wheels to be disconnected for drifting.
Practicality
The Charger has a significantly longer wheelbase (3,070 mm vs. 2,720 mm in the Mustang), ensuring comfort for rear-seat passengers. Dodge also offers a larger trunk (644 liters vs. Ford’s 377).
However, this practicality comes at the cost of weight: the Charger Scat Pack weighs 2,185 kg, which is 374 kg more than the Mustang Dark Horse. This could affect handling dynamics and braking.
Prices
The base Charger R/T costs $49,995, and the Scat Pack is $54,995. This is cheaper than the electric versions but more expensive than the base Mustang Ecoboost ($32,320). The cost of the top-tier Mustang Dark Horse ($64,080-$69,075) exceeds the price of the most expensive Dodge.
Despite the absence of a V8 in the new Charger, its technical specifications and practical advantages make it a serious competitor to the Mustang. The difference in cabin and trunk space is particularly impressive and could be a decisive factor for family buyers. At the same time, for those who value the “pure” sound of a V8 and a lighter construction, Ford remains a more attractive option. The market’s reaction to the return of the gasoline Charger will show if buyers are ready for Dodge’s new muscle car concept.