Modern day Challenger
- Thread starter justcuz
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Someone started a thread recently about a new one steeply discounted.
moparker
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I recently bought a 09 SRT8 stick. Fn love it. You can get one from 20 grand to 30 depending on the mileage. 09 and 10 are supposed to be one of the more reliable years. 11 and 12 not so great from what the goog said.
4mulas
Fixem'up
I went down a similar road a few months back and ended up here. For the same money as 50-70,000 miled out 2012-2014 srt 8’s I got a fully loaded 2022 mustang GT (premium package, gt performance package, magnaride suspension, exhaust cutouts, brembo’s). With remaining factory warranty and only 6,800 miles on it.
I’m a mopar fanatic but think the Mustang is a better value for the money and has a lot more refinement in its design, interior, and driveability. Absolutely a better handling car, it’s faster, just by the weight difference alone (about 700 pounds lighter)
I’ll probably get crucified for this but I don’t care. It’s an awesome car and I think you should add this to your search.
I don’t think anyone needs a supercharged 800+ horse car for the street. 460 ish is PLENTY. These things are quick out of the box. Blows the doors off my old road runner, AND I can also cruise it at 60mph and get over 30 miles per gallon!
I’m a mopar fanatic but think the Mustang is a better value for the money and has a lot more refinement in its design, interior, and driveability. Absolutely a better handling car, it’s faster, just by the weight difference alone (about 700 pounds lighter)
I’ll probably get crucified for this but I don’t care. It’s an awesome car and I think you should add this to your search.
I don’t think anyone needs a supercharged 800+ horse car for the street. 460 ish is PLENTY. These things are quick out of the box. Blows the doors off my old road runner, AND I can also cruise it at 60mph and get over 30 miles per gallon!
DionR
Well-Known Member
I had a 2015 R/T 6M and loved it but sold it for a couple of reasons. Concerned about a car payment was the biggest, and the idea that I wanted a Scat Pack someday. I should have kept it.
I ended up driving it about 8 hours to sell it, and drove a rental 4 cylinder Mustang back. Back to back, didn’t like the interior design of the Mustang, and I have never like the exterior style. The current (2015+) generation almost all look like they are too high in the front, just looks weird to me. My Challenger felt much more comfortable to me, and the interior seemed like a much cleaner design. The Mustang felt like it had 3x the buttons on the steering wheel, really killed the vibe for me. No argument that they are fast, and probably handle better, but for me if I were to buy one it would only be because it was half the price.
Personal opinion, I think the 2015+ design is the best, both inside and out. Plus, other improvements like suspension geometry and a more robust rear axle.
I think an R/T is a great car for all around fun. If you want more, add a 6.4 cam, SRV intake and exhaust and you will probably be only 30-40 hp behind an SP. There are certainly bigger cams, but things get expensive quick after that. But if you want maximum speed N/A and just want buy and drive look for an SP.
I think in 2019, the R/T got the more aggressive splitter and a better hood, if that matters to you. And in 2018 or 19, they introduced the Performance Handling Package that added the 4 piston Brembo brakes to an R/T. So if you can find one of those you should be able to start with pretty much everything an SP has minus the 6.4.
I added an 8.4 and turned on Performance Pages which included Launch Control on mine. It came with the STP package but not the 8.4 so I didn’t have access to PP until I did it myself. So a low option R/T with at least STP would be a killer place to start.
Another trim to look for might be the 2015-17 SRT 392. They don’t seem to fetch as much as an SP, which is dumb because they come with the Hellcat 6 piston Brembo brakes and 3 mode suspension.
So it comes down to what you want to do with it. Ok with mod’s and want to save a little? Start with an R/T and upgrade it over time. Want to get in and drive it without touching it? Buy an SP. The only caveat is, if the SP is only $5k more than an R/T, probably better to just buy the SP.
I ended up driving it about 8 hours to sell it, and drove a rental 4 cylinder Mustang back. Back to back, didn’t like the interior design of the Mustang, and I have never like the exterior style. The current (2015+) generation almost all look like they are too high in the front, just looks weird to me. My Challenger felt much more comfortable to me, and the interior seemed like a much cleaner design. The Mustang felt like it had 3x the buttons on the steering wheel, really killed the vibe for me. No argument that they are fast, and probably handle better, but for me if I were to buy one it would only be because it was half the price.
Personal opinion, I think the 2015+ design is the best, both inside and out. Plus, other improvements like suspension geometry and a more robust rear axle.
I think an R/T is a great car for all around fun. If you want more, add a 6.4 cam, SRV intake and exhaust and you will probably be only 30-40 hp behind an SP. There are certainly bigger cams, but things get expensive quick after that. But if you want maximum speed N/A and just want buy and drive look for an SP.
I think in 2019, the R/T got the more aggressive splitter and a better hood, if that matters to you. And in 2018 or 19, they introduced the Performance Handling Package that added the 4 piston Brembo brakes to an R/T. So if you can find one of those you should be able to start with pretty much everything an SP has minus the 6.4.
I added an 8.4 and turned on Performance Pages which included Launch Control on mine. It came with the STP package but not the 8.4 so I didn’t have access to PP until I did it myself. So a low option R/T with at least STP would be a killer place to start.
Another trim to look for might be the 2015-17 SRT 392. They don’t seem to fetch as much as an SP, which is dumb because they come with the Hellcat 6 piston Brembo brakes and 3 mode suspension.
So it comes down to what you want to do with it. Ok with mod’s and want to save a little? Start with an R/T and upgrade it over time. Want to get in and drive it without touching it? Buy an SP. The only caveat is, if the SP is only $5k more than an R/T, probably better to just buy the SP.
Scat Pak. 480 HP should be plenty.
A Ford is still a Ford no matter what you want to call it.
The automotive repair industry depends on Ford for it future...
A Ford is still a Ford no matter what you want to call it.
The automotive repair industry depends on Ford for it future...
The middle of the road 6.4/392 is a great package.
We own a standard 2015 5.7 R/T and while it is a great car, the added power and brakes of the 392 cars would have been a better choice.
We own a standard 2015 5.7 R/T and while it is a great car, the added power and brakes of the 392 cars would have been a better choice.
DionR
Well-Known Member
It should probably be pointed out that the 8HP wasn’t available in the Challenger with a V8 until 2015. Much better trans than the 5A from previous generations. Not saying the 2014 and older auto cars weren’t fun, but the 8A was a pretty good leap forward.
Making me miss mine….
DionR
Well-Known Member
It’s funny, I test drove an SP 6M and struggled to find it significantly better. It felt faster on the top end for sure, but around town it just didn’t make me giddy enough to hand over the keys to my R/T. And I didn’t test the brakes enough to form an opinion on those, but I did have the upgraded pads the STP cars came with so..?
At the same time, passing with the 5.7 left me wanting some more RPM and power, definitely the place a 6.4 would shine. Unless maybe the 5.7 had a 6.4 cam.
plymouth67
It be a lot cooler if you did...
Ok..got to chime in here. We have 2017 Challenger Scat Pack. In response to previous posts about a Mustang being faster is...well..incorrect. Faster than a 5.7 R/T yes but, my wife and I both have had Mustangs roll up on us while in the Challenger and, it's really no competition to drive out of thier life. The Mustang is smaller and will handle better because it was designed for that. They are designed to be a " Track" car, the Challenger is not. The Challenger is a muscle car and makes no apologies for it. The Challenger was designed to be comfortable and go fast in a straight line, not do road course stuff. The Challenger looks better, sounds better and, has more room. I would hands down buy our Challenger over and over every day of the week!!
I have had 2 a 2012 RT and a 2021 Shaker SP both 6 speeds.
Both are super fun cars with enough power to get you in trouble.
Both are super fun cars with enough power to get you in trouble.
harrisonm
Well-Known Member
I happen to agree with you. In fact, I have stated it here before. Don't get me wrong, I bleed Mopar. I have had dozens of Mopars over the years. I have owned my 69 340 Barracuda for over 30 years. I DO like the new challengers, but I like the looks of the Mustang GT a little better, and I think it is a better value dollar for dollar. If I was going to purchase a modern performance car, It would be a Mustang GT.
4mulas
Fixem'up
You have a very nice car! Guaranteed it would not drive out my life they are closely matched, in fact on paper equals 1/4 mile et’s. The older SRT’s are slower than yours. The 17’ you have would be a close race to mine car. Looks are subjective. The challenger is nice, I’ve driven them, but the Mustang a better all around car especially when Overall Value is considered and without that massive blind spot over your shoulder..
The challengers have become stupid expensive for no real reason. It’s just a portly dodge after all.
plymouth67
It be a lot cooler if you did...
The Challenger is expensive because they are cool..lol. and, they are dead now so, the value comment only works if your buying. The real value comes when you decide to cut it lose. I can sell my Challenger for more money now than what I paid for it in 2019 when we bought it with only 3400 miles on it. It has 44,000 on it now. I can say the only thing (besides my 71 Challenger) that has drove out of my life in this car was a Track Hawk. My wife was driving and came home saying she NEEDED a Hellcat...lol
4mulas
Fixem'up
This is the whole reason for my post. It was because of price and the OP said he wants one ‘without a second mortgage’ etc lol. I may well have bought one too (SRT) but I just couldn’t justify it as, again, I’d have to get one substantially older with many more miles on it for the same money…. It just makes more "cents" for me to get a much newer gt with warranty and only 6k miles on it instead.
I have a complete set of winter ice radials on aluminum rims for it and winter drive it! lol. It’s just a car to me.
If I want to go fast or get my mopar fix I just hop in the 402 powered duster which is quicker than the Mustang and the SRT….
I sold a 70 440 six pack Challenger in 2012 and bought an SRT 392 Challenger with the 6 speed manual. Although it was a nice car I realized I actually HATED IT. I woke up and realized "I'M AN OLD CAR GUY" Computerized , ABS , Traction Control , blah blah blah Just didn't thrill me like I thought it would. I traded it in on a new truck and bought a 71 Cuda 383 I haven't looked back with ANY regrets. Not to mention I never lose money on old cars The newer cars nose dive in value every day.
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This...up above...I couldn't agree with this more...HELL, YES!
The newer vehicles just don't have a "soul". Sure, they're reliable, quiet, comfortable, and fuel efficient (relatively speaking), but they're BORING! Imagine being at a party and having a choice at who to talk with: "Person A", who's been around the the world and has all sorts of interesting stories and experiences, or "Person B", who watches TV all day and wants to talk about Judge Judy.
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DionR
Well-Known Member
I guess it depends on the end result you want. If driving an old car takes you back and gives you a certain feeling, a modern Challenger isn't going to fit and will probably feel like it has no soul to you. And really, the only "soul" a car will ever have is the one you give it.
Can't argue with the depreciation, though. Other than to say that I bought my Challenger for $25xxx and sold it for $23xxx, 3 years and 20K miles later. I did lose money, but the enjoyment I got out of it was more than worth it and was far less than if I had bought a Mustang. And the dealership I sold it to listed it for $29,999 and it only lasted a week or two. Not that it would be the same today, just my experience.
For me, I am in it for the drive. And while I enjoy my Duster, it just doesn't drive as nice as my Challenger did. It feels different and takes me back to when it was my daily, but the Challenger was much more comfortable, quieter, ran smoother, didn't stall and buck when cold, was significantly faster and had my back when I got on it too hard coming out of the round about.
And for me it had plenty of "soul" because when I drove it nice it just did a great job of being basic transportation. But when I got on it, it was like "Finally!" and got down to business. Add that a 707 hp old car can be somewhat of a pain to drive depending on how you get the HP, while a 707 hp Challenger will likely drive a whole lot better and still have the "pucker" factor. And I don't think that trend goes away at 485 or 375 hp even if it is somewhat reduced.
That all said, I'm trying to blend the 2 with a 5.7/T56 swap into a '73 Duster. Partly because I can't point to a Challenger and say "I built that", but I will be able to say that with my '73.
I would equate driving a new car versus and old car like this. Some guys ride Harley's and others prefer Gold Wings. Although they both "look" like motorcycles. One is ALIVE AND HAS SOUL the other is as LIFELESS AS A SEWING MACHINE (LOL) 
If you've ever rode both "You Know" All I'm saying is for me "I Know" and it's the old car every time.
If you've ever rode both "You Know" All I'm saying is for me "I Know" and it's the old car every time.
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DionR
Well-Known Member
I would equate driving a new car versus and old car like this. Some guys ride Harley's and other prefer Gold Wings. Although they both "look" like motorcycles. One is ALIVE AND HAS SOUL the other is as LIFELESS AS A SEWING MACHINE (LOL)
Whatever it is you drive (or ride), it should make you feel alive at least some of the time.
plymouth67
It be a lot cooler if you did...
I get ya there...I either hop in my 512 71 Challenger that will eat our newer Challengers lunch or just cruise in my 360 Duster..(it is not eating anybodies lunch...lol)
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