Despite their long history, the Dodge Charger and Challenger continue to dominate their respective muscle car segments. Both vehicles boast impressive power, sleek designs, and a rich heritage. But with some key differences, choosing between them can be a challenge. This guide will break down the 2024 iterations of these iconic cars to help you decide which one reigns supreme for you.
Here’s a quick comparison of key features for the 2024 Dodge Charger and Challenger:
Feature | Dodge Charger | Dodge Challenger |
Body Style | Four-door Sedan | Two-door Coupe |
Passenger Capacity | 5 (Comfortable) | 5 (Tight Rear Seats) |
Cargo Capacity (cu. ft.) | 16.5 | 16.2 |
Safety (IIHS) | Moderate Overall, Superior Front Crash Avoidance | Moderate Overall, Average Roof Strength & Head Restraint |
Long-Term Value (IntelliChoice) | Better | Average |
Starting MSRP | $32,190 (SXT) | $30,490 (SXT) |
Most Powerful Engine | 6.4L HEMI V8 (485 hp) | 807 hp SRT Super Stock |
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic or 6-speed Manual |
Fuel Economy (V6, RWD) | 19/30 mpg (city/highway) | 19/30 mpg (city/highway) |
Standout Feature | Superior practicality for families and daily drivers | Unmatched power and available manual transmission |
Space & Functionality: Charger Takes the Crown
The most glaring difference lies in body style. The Charger, a four-door sedan, offers superior passenger and cargo capacity. This makes it the clear winner for those who need to regularly transport people or haul gear. Rear passengers in the Charger enjoy a significant advantage in legroom, shoulder room, and hip room compared to the cramped confines of the Challenger’s back seats. While technically a five-seater, the Challenger’s coupe design prioritizes style over practicality in the back.
Cargo capacity is another area where the Charger excels. While the difference isn’t massive (16.5 cubic feet for the Charger versus 16.2 for the Challenger), the Charger’s larger trunk and ability to fold down the rear seats make it more versatile for handling luggage, groceries, or sporting equipment.
Safety: A Close Call
Neither the 2024 Charger nor Challenger received the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. Both fell short in the small overlap front driver-side crash test, earning only Moderate scores. However, the Charger edges out the Challenger with Good scores in the roof strength and head restraint tests where the Challenger received Averages. The Charger also boasts a Superior rating for front crash avoidance technology, whereas the Challenger remains at Basic. This could be due to the continued absence of collision mitigation on Challengers equipped with a manual transmission. When it comes to overall safety ratings, both cars received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.
Long-Term Value: Charger Edges Ahead
Based on data from IntelliChoice, the Charger seems like the smarter investment if you plan on holding onto your car for an extended period. Looking at factors like depreciation, maintenance, and fuel costs, IntelliChoice predicts the Charger will hold its value better than the Challenger, especially for non-high-performance trims. While both Hellcat versions are expected to depreciate significantly, their potential collector car status might make them worthwhile long-term investments for enthusiasts.
Ultimate Performance: Challenger Reigns Supreme (For Now)
Dodge has a history of unleashing the most potent performance trims first in the Challenger. This tradition will continue in 2024. The Challenger offers the monstrous SRT Super Stock with a mind-blowing 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque, making it the current drag strip king. The Charger, while no slouch, doesn’t quite match this raw power – yet. Dodge may introduce an equally ferocious Charger variant in the coming years. Additionally, the Challenger continues to offer a manual transmission, a feature absent from the Charger lineup.
Price: Advantage Challenger
The two-door Challenger holds a slight edge in price compared to its four-door sibling. The base 2024 Dodge Challenger SXT starts at $32,190, a few thousand dollars less than the base Charger SXT. This price gap persists throughout the trim levels, making the Challenger a more budget-friendly option for those prioritizing muscle car thrills.
Tech & Fuel Economy: A Draw
Both cars share the same Uconnect infotainment system with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Performance-oriented SRT models offer Dodge Performance Pages, allowing drivers to customize settings and monitor telemetry data.
Fuel efficiency isn’t a major selling point for either car, but it’s worth mentioning. The V6 engines in both the Charger and Challenger deliver identical EPA ratings of 19/30 mpg city/highway in rear-wheel-drive configuration and 18/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. Upgrading to the HEMI V8s yields similar results across the board, regardless of whether you choose automatic or manual transmission (exclusive to the Challenger).
The Verdict: It Depends on Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the 2024 Dodge Charger and Challenger boils down to your individual needs and preferences. Do you require a spacious and practical daily driver, or is a weekend warrior with pure muscle car spirit more your style?
If you prioritize passenger and cargo space, safety features, and long-term value, the Charger emerges victorious. However, if raw power, a lower price tag, and the option of a manual transmission are your top concerns, the Challenger takes the checkered flag.
For a truly unique experience, consider the Charger Scat Pack Widebody. It offers impressive V8 performance with a sleeper aesthetic offers impressive V8 performance with a sleeper aesthetic. The wider body allows for wider tires, enhancing grip and handling on the road. However, the exterior design remains relatively understated compared to the more aggressive Challenger SRT models. This creates a ‘sleeper’ effect, where unsuspecting drivers might underestimate the Charger’s true muscle car capabilities.”
This addition clarifies the concept of the “sleeper aesthetic” and connects it to the car’s wider body and performance.
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