New Charger Sixpack Versus Mustang V8 In A Showdown Of Pace Energy And Muscle Delight

For some time it felt like Dodge had deserted altogether the muscle automobile promote it did a lot to assist construct. However as of this month old style combustion efficiency is again on the menu within the type of the Charger Sixpack.

The order ebook opens August 11 and deliveries begin within the coming months, however do you have to leap in, or would you be higher off melting your financial institution card on a Ford Mustang? Let’s examine the 2 coupes and see how they stack up in the important thing battlegrounds.

Engines, Cylinders and Horsepower

The Charger might need lastly been granted a set of tailpipes, however they’re not hooked as much as a V8 – at the very least not proper now. Each the R/T and Scat Pack variations of the Sixpack are powered by Stellantis’s Hurricane 3.0-liter inline six.

The bottom automobile makes 420 hp (426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (635 Nm) and its massive brother places out 550 hp (557 PS) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm), Dodge claiming 3.9 seconds for the stouter automobile.

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Ford doesn’t supply a six within the Mustang, as a substitute opening proceedings with a fuel-efficient 2.3-liter Ecoboost 4 that’s good for 315 bhp (319 PS) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm). Step as much as the GT and also you get a 4.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 and 480 hp (487 PS), plus 415 lb-ft (563 Nm), whereas the Darkish Horse is value one other 20 hp (20 PS) and three lb ft (4 Nm). A hotter GT500 model is on the best way, however it’s not right here but and, just like the $320k GTD, exterior the scope of this comparability.

Based mostly on proof out there thus far, the Sixpack sounds a lot better than an Ecoboost, however nowhere close to as raunchy as Ford’s Coyote V8. It does make extra horses although, and that’s not the one motive it’ll most likely really feel a lot quicker in level and squirt on-road battles.

Whereas a Mustang GT and Darkish Horse’s torque mountain peaks at 4,900 rpm, the Scat Pack’s tops out at 3,500 rpm, and it’s already surpassed the Ford’s most twist at solely 2,500 rpm.

Transmissions

Right here’s one other method these two rivals head off in very totally different instructions, wining and shedding followers within the course of. The truth that you possibly can’t purchase a Charger with a guide transmission is one massive motive for some patrons to dismiss it, however others would possibly want the Ford provided an all-wheel drive possibility, which it doesn’t.

Each Chargers include AWD as normal, however there’s no motive for rear-drive fans to despair. Like a BMW M3 xDrive, the Dodge allows you to disconnect the entrance axle from the occasion by merely urgent a button if you wish to get drifty or placed on a smoke show.

Physique Kinds

The brand new Charger replaces the previous Charger sedan and in addition the Challenger coupe, so each electrical and combustion fashions can be found with a selection of two or 4 doorways, or will likely be when four-door deliveries begin in spring 2026.

Mustang patrons are caught with two doorways – until they swap to the Mach-E EV – however Ford does supply a convertible physique model, one thing Dodge doesn’t.

Practicality

You don’t must set foot in both automobile to understand how totally different they’re going to really feel. You solely want take a look at the wheelbase stats: 107 inches (2,720 mm) for the Mustang and a colossal 121 inches (3,070 mm) for the Charger. A Euro-spec SWB Mercedes S-Class solely has a finger’s value of additional metallic between its axles.

Tall passengers have discovered life behind the Charger Daytona totally bearable and we anticipate the combustion model to be no worse. However whereas the Mustang’s rear seats can accommodate adults, they’re greatest reserved for youths.

Ford’s personal figures present it’s 2.1 inches (53 mm) down on headroom and shoulder room and an enormous 8.2 inches (208 mm) worse for rear legroom than the Dodge.

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And it’s not simply the rear area competitors the Dodge wins. Automaker knowledge proves it’s a lot roomier within the entrance, too. The Charger additionally has far more trunk area – 22.8 vs 13.3 cu-ft (644 vs 377 liters) – with the rear backrest in place, although the Mustang wins again practicality factors with its liftback. The Charger is an old-school notch.

Weight

The penalty for the Dodge’s further inside area is an enormous improve in curb weight. Ford says a manual-shift GT fastback ideas the scales at 3,827 lbs (1,736 kg) and an automatic-equipped Darkish Horse is 3,993 lbs (1,811 kg). However Dodge quotes 4,816 lbs (2,185 kg) for the Charger Scat Pack.

The higher effectivity of the smaller-capacity, turbocharged Hurricane engine means it might nonetheless ship extra miles per gallon than the Mustang, however we wager you’ll really feel that further mass in turns and beneath braking.

Worths

Lastly we come to the one metric that may very well be the deciding issue for a lot of patrons: cash. The Charger Sixpack R/T (which arrives subsequent spring) prices $49,995 plus vacation spot, making it a major $9,600 cheaper than the 2025 electrical Daytona R/T, which was dropped for 2026. Improve to the Sixpack Scat Pack and also you’re on the hook for $54,995, saving $18,990 on the 2026 Scat Pack EV.

However whereas extra inexpensive than their electrical twins, the Sixpacks are out of attain of some patrons. Ford’s determination to supply a four-banger is a lifeline for the financially stretched, the bottom Ecoboost fastback coming in at simply $32,320 plus vacation spot, and even a bare-bones V8 GT is barely $46,885. However at $64,080 (rising to $69,075 in Premium trim), the Darkish Horse is dearer than the priciest Dodge.

Which of those muscle rivals would get your money? Drop a remark beneath and tell us.