"The Challenger may not be as fast or as responsive as the Mustang or Camaro, but it's always a hoot to drive." -Edmunds
Engine and Transmission of the 2020 Dodge Challenger
The high-powered V6 with 3.6L engine displacement makes 305 horses and 268 pound-feet of torque to the rear tires, priced at $27,295. The massive output defines the character as a purebred muscle car, waiting to burst off the line at the dab of the throttle. The cacophony of cracks and tumbles resonates through the exhaust as the revs crescendo sends shudders down the spine and the tire-shredding acceleration pushes you back into your seat.
The 8-speed automatic transmission you find in this pony is smooth and functional like the ones you find in Ram pickups and Chrysler minivans, but nowhere near what you'd want in a muscle machine. You'll have to be patient for the torque to kick in at 4800 RPM unlike the Mustang or the Camaro where the torque comes in much earlier.
Models
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2020 Dodge Challenger
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2020 Ford Mustang
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2020 Chevrolet Camaro
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MSRP
|
$27,295
|
$26,395
|
$25,500
|
Engine
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3.6-Liter V6
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2.3L Turbocharged 4-cylinder
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
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Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
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6-speed Manual
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6-speed Manual
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Horsepower
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305 hp @ 6350 rpm
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310 hp @ 5500 rpm
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275hp @ 5600
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Torque
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268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
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350 lbs-ft. @ 3000 rpm
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295 lbs.-ft. @ 3000-4500
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The 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4 engine in the Ford Mustang relies on a turbocharger to make 310 horsepower, similar to the Camaro which comes with a tiny 2.0L engine. These forced inductions may give good numbers for power and economy, but unlike the naturally aspirated Challenger, they suffer the consequent turbo lag. The 2.0L Boxer-4 on the BRZ offers the same thrill, though it is not as powerful as the V6 on the Challenger.
Acceleration of the 2020 Dodge Challenger
The Challenger is a ridiculously fast coupe, but for a muscle car, it's rather docile. It takes about 6.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. It turns heads, but rather slowly. The summer tires give great grip as you pull away from intersections or stoplights, and help with its acceleration as well. You would find that RWD Challengers have much more breathtaking acceleration than the AWD ones. For a more intense drag racing experience, you can always upgrade to the Scat Pack or Hellcat trims.
Models
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2020 Dodge Challenger
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2020 Ford Mustang
|
2020 Chevrolet Camaro
|
0-60 MPH
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6.3 sec
|
5.0 sec
|
5.2 sec
|
Quarter mile
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14.8 sec
|
13.0 sec
|
14.0 sec
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Engine Displacement
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3.6 Liters
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2.3L
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2.0 Liters
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Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
7.34 |
7.1
|
7.71 |
The Mustang is the quickest pony in the stable and gets you to 60 miles an hour in 5 seconds flat. Camaro coupe and the 2-series Bimmer follow with 5.4 and 5.3 seconds on the clock, leaving the Challenger playing catch up. Clearly, brute force is not everything. Nor will it help you save a lot on EPA's gas-guzzler taxes. The 2020 Dodge Challenger SXT is surpassed only by the Camaro for its emissions.
Ride and Handling of the 2020 Dodge Challenger
The weighted steering is delightful when handling the Challenger on the track, but might seem like a chore on daily drives. Feedback from the road is not as appreciable as you would've wanted, but maneuverability through tight spaces isn't a huge challenge, despite the hefty size.Going around corners my tip over your coffee with the pronounced body roll, which you could solve if you equip the Super Trak Pack and get the sport suspension upgrade.
The pedal responsiveness mimics the drive mode, fine-tuned to suit your need. The R/T and SRT have firm suspension, but are just shy of a harsh ride, improving the body roll by a mile. Even with the comparatively sensible V6, the engine roar fills the cabin as you put your foot down. The car is very refined, for an American muscle car. So, expect some rattle and road noise as you travel at highway speeds.
Braking of the 2020 Dodge Challenger
The brake pedal is grilled medium-rare, to suit everyone's palette, firm enough to work well on the tracks, and tender when you're cruising through the city. For maximum flavor, Dodge has given the Challenger 12.6-inch discs on both the front and rear wheels, which stop the hefty muscle car from 70 mph in 176 feet. Seasoning with the summer tires was a good move for Dodge.
Models
|
2020 Dodge Challenger
|
2020 Ford Mustang
|
2020 Chevrolet Camaro
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
12.6
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12.6
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12.6
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Brake Rear (in.)
|
12.6
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12.6
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12.4
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3858
|
3542
|
3354
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
176(70-0 mph)
|
106
|
103
|
Considering just how heavy the Dodge Challenger is, it is surprising how it measures up to lighter, more nimble coupes like the Subaru BRZ and the BMW 230i. The performance is even more impressive with the AWD in play. Still, the Chevy Camaro is the best in this segment, stopping dead from 60 mph within 103 feet.