Competition: 2009 Dodge Challenger vs. 2009 Ford Mustang

Story by Sam Haymart

How does the Dodge Challenger stack up to Mustang?


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.


The automatic transmission 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.


Comparison Charts

General Specifications:


2009 Dodge Challenger

116" Wheelbase

197.7" Length

75.7" Width

63.1" Track


2009 Ford Mustang

107.1" Wheelbase

187.6" Length

73.9" Width

62.3" Track


2009 Challenger R/T

4041 lbs

5.7 liter

370-375 (auto/man)

398-404 (auto/man)

3.06:1 - 3.73:1 (auto/man)

10.77 lb / hp


2009 Mustang GT

3356 lbs.

4.6 liter

300

320

3.31:1 - 3.55:1 (auto/man)

11.18 lb / hp



2009 Challenger SRT8

4170 lbs

6.1 liter

425

420

3.06:1 - 3.91:1 (auto/man)

9.81 lb / hp


2009 Ford Shelby GT-500

3920 lbs.

5.4 liter

500

480

3.31:1

7.84 lb / hp


Based on the above info, the 2010 Camaro is looking better & better!!

 

It's possible that the Camaro SS will be priced like the Mustang GT/Challenger R/T, yet outperform (or be VERY close to) both the GT500 and the SRT8. If that's the case, the Z/28 will do some SERIOUS damage.

It's also kind of sad that the SRT8 is over 200 lbs. heavier than the GT500, and gives up 75 HP and 60 lb.-ft. of torque, not to mention the open diff and higher gearing, yet is only about 2/10ths of a second behind it in the 1/4 mile.

 

I honestly do not want a Camaro with hp and weight numbers anywhere near what the Challenger SRT-8 and GT-500 have. 4100lbs and 425hp.. or 4000lbs and 500hp. Just sounds like a waste of money, of hp, and of gas...

If the Camaro can come in at 400hp and around the Mustang GT's weight then we have a winner.

 

The story is only a few steps above birdcage liner.

1. Challenegr is essentially a Dodge Charger coupe. It's closer to a RWD Monte Carlo than it is a Mustang.

and...

2. The current Mustang that the fellow calls the "2009 Mustang" is only going to be around till roughly the end of the year (about 7 months), and is due to be changed out right around the same time the new Camaro debuts, 9 months from now.

 

Yep,

Give that man a ccccigar!

 

Ain't gonna happen.

IRS adds weight.

Live axle V8 Mustang GT weighs in at a 4th gen-like 3500 pounds.

The IRS V8 Camaro will weigh at least as much as GTO's 3700 pounds.

 

I realize that, but I am much happier with a 3700lb car than a 4000lb car with more hp. I just do not want a 3900-4100lb Camaro with 450-500hp, its nice for bragging rights but not much else.

 

5.0 Liter V8 Confirmed For 2010 Mustang

Staff Report

Ford Of Australia President says Ford has new 5.0 V8 for new Mustang.


04-16-08: The news never comes directly from the source. But again this week, a side glance from another foreign Ford source has confirmed that a 5.0 liter V8 will once again be under the hood of the next Mustang.

In a story published on Stuff.co.nz which talks of Ford considering to drop the 5.4 BOSS V8 from the Falcon models Down Under, the news that Ford is indeed readying production of a 5.0 liter V8 here in the States is again confirmed.

Ford Australia’s recently appointed president Bill Osborne confirmed a new 5.0-litre V8 to be developed and built in North America for the Ford Mustang was being examined for possible use in Ford's new Falcon as they consider whether or not to continue with the Aussie built 5.4 BOSS engine.


“We have taken a look at that V8 and it looks like it will be a pretty competitive engine, particularly if we decide to boost (turbocharge or supercharge) it as well,” said Osborne. Of course, he is talking about boosting the engine for the Australian market. While Ford is moving head-long to roll out new “Eco-Boost” turbocharged I4 and V6 engines in our market, Ford officials here have denied any interest in applying turbo charging to a V8 for the States.

No information has been released as to the horsepower specifications for the new 5.0 liter V8 or whether the engine will have a 3-valve or 4-valve configuration. But horsepower has been rumored to be in the 350-375hp territory.

We reported late last year that Canadian Union boss Buzz Hargrove also mentioned that Ford was to build the new 5.0 liter V8 when speaking of the re-opening of the Windsor engine plant.

Keeping the 2010 Stang at 3300 or 3400lbs at 350 to 375hp...Hmm

 

If the top Camaro has a version of a supercharged V8 pushing nearly 500 horsepower, then it's going to weigh close to 4000 pounds. The supercharger and components, as well as heavier duty (and heavier) drivetrain and suspension components are going to have the same effect on a 3700 pound Camaro as it did turning a 3500 pound Mustang GT into a 3900 pound Shelby GT500.

Again, the Challenger is a large coupe, so it's naturally going to be heavier. It's not a pony car, and the only reason people put it in the same catagory with a Mustang and Camaro is because it has 4 wheels, RWD, and a high performance V8 engine as an option. Put a supercharger and another 100 horses on it, and it will gain 300-400 pounds as well.

 

Doesnt matter,sorry...but I think the Challenger is going to outsell the Camaro based on looks alone.

Ive talked to several guys in their 40's-50's that are waiting for the Challenger to come out b/c they missed it back in 1970 and their not going to miss it again.

 

You are crazy. I love the challenger but it aint going to happen. There is no where near that kind of market for it to outsell the camaro. Hell, I am in my 30's and sorry i missed it the first time. As great as it looks the market for it will be smaller then the charger.

 

Highly doubtful.

How many young kids do you see in brand new mustangs,corvette's,etc? Hardly any,from where I am anyway...its all older guys b/c thats who car afford them.

The only people that are going to buy either of these cars are only people who can afford it b/c with times the way they are right now its not looking good for sports cars. I see more women driving V6 mustangs and guys also (big surprise there,I know) but most chicks like 'stangs over Camaro's anyway sad to say...b/c they're "cool".

You may be right,they may not outsell the Camaro...I was just stating an opinion and I think GM "over did" the Camaro so to speak and I'm afraid its going to hurt them. Hopefully not,but I guess we'll see in 9 or so months.

 

Main reason I'm hoping the top Camaro doesn't have a supercharger. IRS, supercharger/piping, and reinforcements for the power will easily push the Camaro close to 4k lbs if it comes in at around 3600-3700 in V6 form. I'm really hoping Chevy doesn't go this route although everyone thinks that is whats going to happen.

 

Its hard to compare what people consider "cool" when comparing the Mustangs to the last gen Camaro. The 4th gens had a ton of things that most non-enthusiasts were not willing to put up with when they could get a Mustang at a comparable price. The new Camaro is shaping up to be alot more user friendly than the 4th gens were so I can see Camaro selling a ton.

As far as the Challenger is anyone's guess. I dont see it selling as well as the Mustang/Camaro. In the pics where they're parked next to other cars, Camaro/Mustang are not very big cars. I see the Challenger's overall size deterring alot of single commuters from buying it. But who knows, we'll have to wait and see

 

Thats why I do not want a supercharged beast. Keep it NA and keep the weight down. Chevy does not need to emulate what everyone else is doing to compete they have to stand out.