you're gonna want to throw in there that the new 5.7ltr motor for the R/T has been proven to be at least15-20hp UNDER RATED. there are dyno runs that show this. its in the range of 390-400. something chrysler didnt want to flaunt since its even closer to the srt power levels.

 

Hp ratings are done by a 3rd party now. Unless you have a link to one?

 

let me do a little digging to see where i saw that...

 

here is the link showing the results of a 3rd party vendor running a stock 5.7 R/T:

http://www.challengertalk.com/forums...r-t-5-7l-4948/

RWHP: 334.5
RWTQ: 352.4

 

I think the best value in 2009 is going to be the Camaro V6. 304HP and a 6 speed manual for $22K, you can't beat that. I've also read 27mpg is the expected hwy mileage rating. You can't get a 300HP+ car with that high of mileage or for that kind of money any were else.

If I was buying a brand new car this year it would be a Camaro RS.

 

i can vouch for that...a buddy of mine threw his stock R/T auto on the dyno to get base numbers before he started modding and got about the same results. i can see why they underated them...so close to the SRT...

 

what do SRT-8 challengers put at the wheels?

 

good question...

 

I read of a couple 375 ish rwhp dynos for stock 6spd SRT-8s. Not so sure a 330-335 rwhp dyno for the R/Ts is really significantly underrated... They both should lose around 40-50 ponies through the drivetrain which seems to be about where both are at.

 

thanks. i like the SRT-8's but for 50k no thanks!

 

i've always gone by the average of about 17% loss through the drivetrain to calculate hp/tq numbers.

 

Maybe for an automatic, but that seems high for a standard rwd 6spd car IMO.

Didn't someone from GM post one time that they figured the Vette or Fbody standard T56 drivetrain sucked about 12-13% out?

 

Even if the RT puts down near SRT8 type HP numbers, the Camaro is still several hundred lbs lighter then it, as well as packs more REAL power.

And did you say that the Chevelle SS was a good handling car? Compared to what? A 1969 C10 pick up?
Just read the G8 GT vs Charger RT comparo, or the G8 GXP vs Charger SRT8 and tell me how the Challenger will even be close to the Camaro's handling and poise on the road?
Untill the Mustang steps into the 21st century, a big honkin engine and a flimisy chassis wont do much but make it a great drag racer.
IF the Mustang gets this mystical 5.0 V8, it wotn make more then 380hp without a signifigant increase in weight.
Id say that a comperable Mustang GT with a 370-390hp V8, 6spd manual or auto, loaded like a Camaro SS or Charger RT, will come damn near 3700lbs.
Mustang will match the two in a race down the strights...just dont want to be near the guard rail on turn one.

 

and has the brakes and suspension to match.

 

Who says the Mustang has a flimsy chassis?

As for being near a guardrail, I suppose I can see the point there, if the road is bumpy... Solid axle cars can handle quite well on decent roads though.