How much is it really worth to have all that power?
For just over $77,700 (as tested), you can buy a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody – a 707 horsepower tire-devouring muscle car. Or, for half as much, there’s the 2018 Ford Mustang GT…Which would you choose?
The Challenger has been around in its current form for awhile now, first debuting back in 2008. Ten years later, the major element that’s moved on from the original model is the horsepower. Now, we have the Hellcat Widebody, a step below the all-out, 840 horsepower SRT Demon. Starting at $72,590 (including destination charges), it’s certainly a far cry from the $28,640 V6-powered Challenger. It’s also a far cry from the brand new 2018 Ford Mustang GT.
Ringing in at $52,265, the 5.0-liter V8 powered Ford Mustang GT is a whopping $25,000 cheaper than the Hellcat. However, as you’d expect, it’s down on power against the SRT Hellcat Widebody’s 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8. The naturally aspirated Mustang puts out 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. But how else do they compare on paper? In this mashup review, Tommy and Roman take the Challenger and Mustang out into the Oregon wilderness to see if the Challenger, for twice the money, is really twice the car.The criteria
We’re basing our decision for whether the Challenger is twice the car on styling, performance, ride and handling, utility, value and economy.
On the styling front, both cars are certainly distinctive. The Challenger has been around for awhile, but the styling cues in the muscular Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody freshen up the car’s image. And even if it didn’t, there’s still the sound and the 707 horsepower. Ford refreshed the Mustang for 2018, giving it a more distinctive front fascia with new angles and creases, as well as a revised rear fascia.
When it comes down to performance, these cars don’t quite match up on paper. While the Challenger SRT Hellcat is famous for its power output, the Mustang chucks out 460 horsepower. Still a respectable figure, but the Challenger’s horsepower advantage means it would dominate on the straightaways. However, once the road gets twisty, the Mustang – particularly with its adaptive suspension, handles better in the corners.
On utility, both cars are pretty hopeless. Since they’re coupes, both have rear leg room that’s only adequate enough for children. Still, though, they both have trunks. The Mustang has 13.5 cubic feet in its trunk, while the Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody beats that figure with 16.0 cubic feet. On the value front, the Mustang clearly comes out ahead, thanks to that big chunk of cash you save. Since it is less powerful, it is more fuel efficient. However, the numbers are pretty close: the 2018 Mustang GT manages 19 combined MPG, also thanks to its 10-speed automatic transmission. The Challenger, with its 8-speed automatic and massive supercharged engine, gets 16 combined MPG.
Two camps
Apart from all the numbers, it really comes down to which model you’d prefer on a daily basis. The 2018 Ford Mustang GT might be less powerful, but it’s arguably more manageable day to day. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, despite its thirst, is just damn good fun to drive. So again, which one would you have? Let us know in the comments below! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views, and real-world, V8 mashup reviews.