The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
In all, the new Dodge Challenger SRT8 and the existing Ford Mustang GT are closely matched in regard to performance. Although the Challenger has a more powerful engine, it’s heavier, which means it will need the extra power just to keep up with the lighter Mustang. The Challenger also loses in the gas mileage area, as the Mustang GT achieves more mileage in both city and highway driving. You also don’t have to pay the gas guzzler tax to buy a Mustang GT.In terms of interior comfort and standard options, the Challenger wins out. First off, the Challenger seats 5, while the Ford only seats 4. It also has more interior room throughout. The Challenger also offers many features, such as leather seats, heated seats, and a 13-speaker sound system, as standard equipment. Mustang GT buyers will have to pay extra for these perks. The Challenger also comes with a sunroof option. The Mustang does not offer a sunroof, but it does make up for this by offering a convertible GT model.
In the end, both cars offer unique features that the true enthusiast will find appealing. The Dodge Challenger and the Ford Mustang are two historic cars that have been reborn to a new generation of buyers. Which is better? I’ll let you be the judge. Of course, this biased Mustang guy has his own preference. I’d happily settle for a 2008 Ford Mustang GT any day.
Complete Side-By-Side Comparison
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (Automatic) / 2008 Ford Mustang GT (Automatic)
- Retail: $40,095/$27,260
- Destination Charge: $675/$745
- Base: $34,803/$25,104
PERFORMANCE DATA
- Base Number of Cylinders: 8/8
- Base Engine Size: 6.1 liters/ 4.6 liters
- Base Engine Type: V8/ V8
- Transmission: 5-speed Automatic/5-speed Manual or 5-speed Automatic with overdrive
- Horsepower: 425 hp/ 300 hp
- Max Horsepower: 6200 rpm/ 5,750 rpm
- Torque: 420 ft-lbs./ 320 ft-lbs.
- Max Torque: 4800 rpm/ 4,500 rpm
- 0-60 MPH: 4.8 seconds/ 5.1 seconds
- ¼ Mile:13.3 seconds/ 13.8 seconds
- Drive Type: RWD/ RWD
- Turning Circle: 38.9 ft./ 37.7 ft.
FUEL
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal./ 16 gal.
- EPA Mileage Estimates: 13 mpg -18 mpg/ 15 mpg – 22 mpg
WHEELS AND TIRES
- Standard: 20-inch wheels with 245/45 all-season tires/17-inch wheels with P235/55ZR17 Performance A/S tires
- Optional: 20-inch wheels with 245/45 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires front and 255-45 rear/18-inch polished aluminum wheels with P235/50ZR18 tires
EXTERIOR
- Length: 197.7 in./ 187.6 in.
- Width: 75.7 in./ 73.9 in.
- Height: 57 in./ 55.7 in.
- Wheel Base: 116 in./ 107.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 4,140 lbs./ 3,540 lbs.
INTERIOR
- Front Head Room: 39.5 in./ 38.6 in.
- Front Hip Room: 54.7 in./ 53.6 in.
- Front Shoulder Room: 58.2 in./ 55.4 in.
- Rear Head Room: 37.4 in./ 34.7 in.
- Rear Shoulder Room: 53.9 in./ 53.4 in.
- Rear Hip Room: 51.4 in./ 46.8 in.
- Front Leg Room: 42 in./ 42.7 in.
- Rear Leg Room: 32.6 in./ 30.3 in.
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: 16 cu. ft./ 13.1 cu. ft.
- Maximum Seating: 5/4
PRICE
