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Are Challenger and Mustang the same?

No, the Challenger and Mustang are not the same vehicles. They are two distinct muscle cars produced by different automakers, Dodge and Ford, respectively. While they share some similarities as high-performance, rear-wheel-drive sports cars, they have distinct designs, histories, and characteristics.


Differences Between the Challenger and Mustang


The Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang are both iconic American muscle cars, but they have several key differences:



  • Automaker: The Challenger is produced by Dodge, while the Mustang is manufactured by Ford.

  • Design: The Challenger has a more retro-inspired, boxy design, while the Mustang has a sleeker, more modern appearance.

  • Engine Options: The Challenger offers more powerful engine options, including a supercharged V8 in the Hellcat and Demon models, while the Mustang's engine lineup is more diverse, ranging from turbocharged four-cylinders to high-performance V8s.

  • Performance: The Challenger, particularly in its high-performance variants, is generally considered to have more raw power and straight-line acceleration, while the Mustang is often praised for its agility and handling.

  • History: The Mustang has a longer history, having been in production since the 1960s, while the Challenger was revived in the 2000s after a long hiatus.


While both the Challenger and Mustang are iconic American muscle cars, they are distinct models with their own unique characteristics and appeal to different types of enthusiasts.


Similarities Between the Challenger and Mustang


Despite their differences, the Challenger and Mustang do share some similarities as high-performance, rear-wheel-drive sports cars:



  • Rear-Wheel Drive: Both the Challenger and Mustang are rear-wheel-drive vehicles, which provides better traction and handling for high-performance driving.

  • Muscle Car Styling: Both models have a muscular, aggressive appearance that is characteristic of American muscle cars.

  • Performance-Oriented: Both the Challenger and Mustang are designed to offer thrilling performance, with powerful engine options and a focus on driving dynamics.

  • Enthusiast Appeal: Both models have a dedicated following of enthusiasts who appreciate their performance, style, and heritage.


While the Challenger and Mustang have their differences, they share a common heritage as iconic American muscle cars that continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts.

Why are they called Mustangs?


Although free-roaming Mustangs are called "wild" horses, they descend from feral domesticated horses. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the English word mustang was likely borrowed from two essentially synonymous Spanish words, mestengo (or mesteño) and mostrenco.



Is A Challenger the same as a Mustang?


The base Ford Mustang outshines the base Dodge Challenger in horsepower and acceleration, with 310 horsepower and a zero-to-60 MPH time of 5.1 seconds in the Mustang versus 303 horsepower in the Challenger. At the top of the lineup, the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby® GT500® cranks out as much as 760 horsepower.



Why are challengers more expensive than Mustangs?


Mustang Price. As we saw previously, the Challenger coupe's standard features can be much stronger, explaining the slight base-level Dodge Challenger vs. Ford Mustang price gap.



What is the Ford equivalent to the Challenger?


In the world of muscle cars, few rivalries are as legendary as the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang. These two iconic vehicles have been at the forefront of American automotive culture for decades, captivating drivers with their raw power, sleek designs, and timeless appeal.



Are chargers Hellcats?


For years, the Charger SRT® Hellcat delivered Best-in-Class horsepower 1 and reigned supreme as the world's fastest four-door muscle car 2. While new SRT Hellcats are no longer rolling off the production line, you can still hear its Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine roaring to life coast to coast 3.



Is Challenger a V6 or V-8?


A V-6 engine is standard in these non-SRT Challengers but the real fun comes with the optional naturally aspirated Hemi V-8 engines, which are offered in a variety of displacements and outputs spanning a 375-hp, 5.7-liter to a 485-hp, 6.4-liter.



Is a Challenger faster than a Mustang GT?


The big 392 Hemi-powered Dodge ripped from 0 to 60 mph 4.0 seconds and through the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds at 112.1 mph. Meanwhile, the 307 Coyote-backed Mustang GT needed 4.3 seconds to hit 60 mph and tied the Challenger's 12.5 second quarter-mile time but bested its trap speed at 114.7 mph.



Are Mustang and Dodge the same?


Unlike the two-door Mustang, the Dodge Charger is a full-size, four-door sedan that packs in performance and a solid dose of practicality thanks to a spacious rear seat with lots of legroom, generous headroom, and a large trunk with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space.



What is the Mustang Challenge?


Sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), and organized by Ford Performance Racing School (FPRS) Motorsports, Mustang Challenge allows drivers up to FIA silver ratings to compete on a level playing field against other Mustang Dark Horse R cars.



Is Challenger a v6 or V8?


A V-6 engine is standard in these non-SRT Challengers but the real fun comes with the optional naturally aspirated Hemi V-8 engines, which are offered in a variety of displacements and outputs spanning a 375-hp, 5.7-liter to a 485-hp, 6.4-liter.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.