Well folks, the muscle car wars have returned. It seems like ages since the Mustang faced a solid contender. Pretty soon it will have two: the existing 2008 Dodge Challenger as well as the upcoming 2009 Chevrolet Camaro. For now, let’s focus on the recently introduced 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. It’s sleek, it’s fast, and it’s coming to a dealership near you.

In compiling this comparison, we’ll be looking at the new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and the 2008 Mustang GT.

In evaluating the Mustang, we’re leaving Shelby models out of the mix for now. We’ll definitely evaluate those later (Next up: Challenger SRT8 vs. Shelby GT500). Yes, these Mustangs are the bread and butter of Mustang performance. For this article, however, we’ll focus solely on Ford’s most readily available V8 Mustang, which is the GT. Let's see if the base GT can hold it's own.

We will also evaluate only one Challenger model in this article, the SRT8. In 2009 Dodge plans to offer three models. This will include a 3.5L, 250 hp, V6 version with a 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as an R/T model with a 5.7L, 370 hp, V8 and the choice of five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The SRT8 model will return with its 6.1L V8, as well as the option of either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The current SRT8 is only available with an automatic transmission. For now we’ll include information pertaining to the SRT8, as it is the only model currently being built for 2008.

Powertrain: The Challenger is More Powerful...and Heavier

If a car is going to complete with the Ford Mustang it should have a solid engine.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features a 6.1-Liter SRT HEMI beast under its hood. Okay, that’s pretty “solid.” As for output, Dodge says the vehicle can produce 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Challenger features a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Unfortunately it’s only available with an automatic option. This is somewhat of a downer for those seeking to feel out their shifts via a manual transmission setup. The Challenger won’t see a manual option until next year. The car also features 20-inch wheels with size 245/45 all-season tires. Braking power comes courtesy of 14-inch Brembo brakes fitted with four-piston calipers.

Ford’s most powerful standard lineup Mustang is the Mustang GT. This vehicle features a 4.6L V8 engine which is capable of producing 300 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. The car offers both a manual and an automatic 5-speed transmission with overdrive. It comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels and P235/55ZR17 tires. Its braking power is controlled by 12.4-inch ventilated front brake discs with 11.8 inch brake rotors in the back.

POWERTRAIN

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

• 6.1-Liter SRT HEMI V8 Engine
  
• 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
  
• 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft of torque
  

2008 Ford Mustang GT

• 4.6-Liter V8 Engine
  
• 5-speed Manual Transmission or Automatic with overdrive
  
• 300 hp and 320 lb.-ft of torque
  

Sure, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 has a more powerful engine than the 4.6L V8 featured in the Mustang GT. With 425 hp at its disposal, the Challenger can really tear it up. It should also be noted, however, that the Challenger is also bigger than the Mustang GT, which results in its overall curb weight of 4,140 lbs. Bottom line, it’s heavy. The Mustang GT has a curb weight of 3,540 lbs. In all, the Challenger has a wheelbase of 116 inches, overall length of 197.7 inches, and overall width of 75.7 inches. To top it off, the Challenger is 57 inches in height. In comparison, the Mustang has a wheelbase of 107.1 inches, an overall length of 187.6 inches, and an overall width of 73.9 inches. The Mustang GT is 55.7 inches in height.

On the track, Car and Driver magazine (January 2005) clocked the fifth generation Mustang GT in the range of 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 13.8 seconds at 103 mph. Road tests show the Challenger can achieve 0-60 in 4.8 seconds with a quarter mile under 13.3 seconds. In all, there doesn’t appear to be a huge difference in performance numbers despite the larger engine in the Challenger.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

• Vehicle Curb Weight: 4,140 lbs.
  
• 0 to 60 mph: 4.8 seconds
  
• 1/4 Mile Time: 13.3 seconds
  

2008 Ford Mustang GT

• Vehicle Curb Weight: 3,540 lbs.
  
• 0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds
  
• 1/4 Mile Time: 13.8 seconds