The Final Word: Performance Car or Performance PR?
When all is said and done, it’s easy to see there are obvious differences between the 2008 Challenger SRT8 and the Shelby GT500. Yes, the Challenger SRT8 is a performance vehicle, but why did Dodge decide to only offer it up with an automatic transmission? Being able to determine your own shift points is important when driving a performance car. Die-hard performance enthusiasts will most likely see this as an apparent weakness. Fortunately for Dodge, the 2009 SRT8 will feature a 6-speed manual transmission. This was revealed at the New York International Auto Show in March of 2008.Another observation is that of power and performance times. With a 6.1L SRT HEMI V8 engine, one would think the Challenger would be a beast of a machine. It’s fast, I’ll give Dodge that, but as recent road tests confirm, the SRT8 Challenger is a slightly slower ride than the Shelby GT500. It's a close match up, less than a second off the lead of the GT500 in the 0-60 and 1/4 mile time trials. But the Shelby still wins out in the end. A Motor Trend comparison test further proved that the Shelby GT500 is quicker than the Challenger.
In its current form, the Challenger comes off as a performance car designed for wealthy commuters and daily drivers; not a performance car designed for performance drivers. With a few minor tweaks here and there, the car is a solid performer. For now, my money’s on the Shelby GT500. It’s got “True American Sports car” written all over it, inside and out.
Complete Side-By-Side Comparison
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (Automatic) / 2008 Shelby GT500 Mustang Coupe (Standard 6-speed)
- Retail: $40,095/$42,170
- Destination Charge: $675/$745
- Base: $34,803/$38,101
PERFORMANCE DATA
- Base Number of Cylinders: 8/8
- Base Engine Size: 6.1 liters/ 5.4 liters
- Base Engine Type: V8/ V8
- Transmission: 5-speed Automatic/Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 425 hp/500 hp
- Max Horsepower: 6200 rpm/ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 420 ft-lbs./ 480 lb.-ft.
- Max Torque: 4800 rpm/ 4,500 rpm
- 0-60 MPH: 4.8 seconds/ 4.5 seconds
- ¼ Mile:13.3/ 12.9 seconds
- Drive Type: RWD/ RWD
- Turning Circle: 38.9 ft./ 37 ft.
FUEL
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal./ 16 gal.
- EPA Mileage Estimates: 13 mpg -18 mpg/ 14 mpg – 20 mpg
WHEELS AND TIRES
- Standard: 20-inch wheels with 245/45 all-season tires/18-inch wheels with P255/45Z18 front tires and P285/40ZR18 rear tires
- Optional: 20-inch wheels with 245/45 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires front and 255-45 rear
EXTERIOR
- Length: 197.7 in./188.0 in.
- Width: 75.7 in./ 73.9 in.
- Height: 57 in./54.5 in.
- Wheel Base: 116 in./ 107.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 4,140 lbs./3,920 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./ 35.0 in.
- Rear Shoulder Room: 53.9 in./53.3 in.
- Rear Hip Room: 51.4 in./46.7 in.
- Front Leg Room: 42 in./ 42.7 in.
- Rear Leg Room: 32.6 in./31.0 in.
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: 16 cu. ft./12.3 cu. ft.
- Maximum Seating: 5/4
PRICE
