Dodge’s latest two-door Charger Sixpack, equipped with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, doesn’t quite measure up to its V-8 predecessor, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack, in critical performance metrics. While the new Charger boasts quicker acceleration, it lags behind in grip and braking—raising questions about whether the modern muscle car is evolving in the right direction.
Performance Discrepancies
Testing reveals that the 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody outpaced the new Charger in handling and stopping power. The Challenger achieved 0.96 g on the skidpad, while the Charger managed only 0.90 g. More significantly, the Challenger required just 148 feet to stop from 70 mph, compared to the Charger’s 177 feet. This difference is largely attributed to the Charger’s heavier weight (4889 lbs vs. 4352 lbs for the Challenger) and the lack of summer tire options at the time of testing.
Dodge acknowledges the tire issue, stating that summer tires will become available for the gas-powered Charger later this year, but that doesn’t change the current data. The weight penalty alone makes the Charger less agile and requires more distance to decelerate.
Acceleration: A Mixed Bag
Despite the handling and braking shortcomings, the Charger Sixpack accelerates faster than the old Challenger. It hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, two-tenths quicker than the Challenger’s 3.9 seconds. The Charger also runs the quarter-mile faster (12.1 seconds at 116 mph vs. 12.4 seconds at 114 mph ). However, the Challenger’s naturally aspirated V-8 engine feels more responsive, posting a quicker 5-to-60-mph time of 4.2 seconds compared to the Charger’s 4.8 seconds.
The Changing Muscle Car Landscape
The shift from V-8 power to turbocharged six-cylinders in Dodge’s muscle cars sparks debate about what truly defines this segment. The new Charger prioritizes straight-line speed over all else, while the old Challenger offered a more balanced driving experience. This transition reflects a broader industry trend: manufacturers are optimizing for raw performance numbers while potentially sacrificing traditional muscle car characteristics.
The fact that the electric Dodge Charger Daytona does offer summer tires highlights an odd oversight in the gas-powered model’s configuration. Whether this was intentional or a temporary limitation remains unclear, but it underscores the evolving priorities in Dodge’s lineup.
Ultimately, the new Charger Sixpack accelerates faster than its V-8 predecessor—but at the cost of grip and braking performance. Whether this trade-off is acceptable depends on individual preferences and how one defines a modern muscle car.
