Two iconic models, the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger, continue to dominate the streets with their raw power and classic design. These two American muscle competitors continue to capture the attention of us all. Let’s delve into the features, performance, and overall driving experience of the 2023 Ford Mustang and the 2023 Dodge Challenger to determine which muscle car is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Mustang comes with a sleek, modern appearance while the Challenger follows its muscular car roots.
- The Mustang comes with a high power but fuel-efficient performance while the Challenger focuses mainly on supercharged high-performance.
- Both cars come with great interiors, technology, and safety.
- The Mustang has a market price of about $29,000 while the Challenger’s market price is about $33,000.
Exterior
The Ford Mustang features a sleek, aggressive appearance with its signature tri-bar headlights, sculpted hood, and aerodynamic lines. Though following a similar design to older models, the Ford Mustang has adopted a more modern look that helps the muscle car stay up to date with the times.
The Dodge Challenger, as it enters its last model year (2023), shows off a more muscular and striking presence with its wide grille, long engine body, and retro-modern taillights. The Challenger can also come with its Hellcat models, which has added to the power and design of this classic car.
If you are going for an athletic, sporty vibe, the Mustang is the car for you; however, if you are going for a strong, muscular appearance, the Challenger is the car for you.
Performance
The Mustang offers you four engine options to choose from:
- The base engine is an EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. (2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost)
- The second engine is the same base engine but with a high-performance package that gives off 330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. (2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package)
- The third engine is a 5.0-liter V8 engine that gives an impressive 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. (2023 Ford Mustang GT)
- The last engine is the third engine with the Mach 1 trim that produces 470 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. (2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1)
You are sure to find the power you desire between one of these engine options for the Mustang.
The Challenger provides you six engine options to choose from:
- The first engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. (Challenger SXT or Challenger GT)
- The second engine is a 5.7-liter V8 with 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. (Challenger R/T)
- The third engine is a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. (Challenger R/T Scat Pack)
- The fourth engine is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. (Challenger SRT Hellcat)
- The fifth engine is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. (Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye or Challenger SRT Super Stock)
- The sixth engine is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque. (Challenger SRT Demon 17).
With so many engine options that show the sheer power of the Challenger, you are sure to find an engine option that matches your adrenaline level. However, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize the Mustang's balance of power and efficiency or the Challenger's way less efficient power and speed.
Interior, Technology, and Safety
The Mustang has a driver-focused front row made with comfortable seating that fits a variety of body types. However, the back row is quite compact, and it is intended mainly for children to fit in the back seat. As for technology, the Mustang comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that uses Ford sync, which allows for a user-friendly interface with the car’s system. The system also includes Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for smartphone integration. With safety, the Mustang comes with a forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic.
The Challenger offers a comfortable interior that leans more towards its retro aesthetic. The Challenger features a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and large cargo space in the trunk. As for technology, the Challenger uses Uconnect, which is Dodge’s user-friendly infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for safety, the Challenger comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.
Price
The Mustang has an MSRP range of about $28,000 – $56,000 with a market price of about $29,000. The price can vary depending on different factors such as specific trim and engine option. The Challenger has an MSRP range of about $31,000 – $77,000 with a market price of about $33,000. The Mustang tends to have a slightly lower starting price that makes it more accessible for buyers looking for their first muscle car. Additionally, the Mustang benefits from better fuel efficiency, which is a great advantage over the Challenger’s high-consuming engines. However, as you move up to higher-performance variants, the price gap between the two models narrows. You should consider the value offered by each vehicle by reviewing the performance and features of each vehicle.
Overview
The Mustang and the Challenger continue to captivate enthusiasts with their bold design, impressive performance, and legendary status. While the Mustang offers a balance of power and modern amenities, the Challenger emphasizes the raw power as was with the traditional muscle car persona. The choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and whether you prioritize the balanced power of the Mustang or the compelling performance of the Challenger.