Is a Charger or Challenger heavier?
In most configurations, the Dodge Charger carries more heft than the Dodge Challenger. The exact weight varies by model year, trim, and powertrain, but the four-door Charger typically sits heavier on the scale than the two-door Challenger.
Weight overview by configuration
The following ranges reflect approximate curb weights published for common trims and powertrains. Weights can vary by model year, market, and optional equipment, so use these as a general guide rather than precise figures.
- Charger SXT/GT with 3.6L V6: roughly 4,000–4,125 lb
- Charger R/T (5.7L Hemi) with rear-wheel drive or AWD: roughly 4,200–4,450 lb
- Charger Scat Pack (6.4L V8): roughly 4,350–4,600 lb
- Charger Hellcat (6.2L supercharged V8): roughly 4,600–4,900 lb
- Challenger SXT/GT with 3.6L V6: roughly 3,900–4,040 lb
- Challenger R/T (5.7L Hemi) with rear-wheel drive: roughly 4,000–4,300 lb
- Challenger Scat Pack (6.4L V8): roughly 4,250–4,500 lb
- Challenger Hellcat (6.2L supercharged V8): roughly 4,450–4,700 lb
Across these examples, the Charger generally weighs more than the Challenger, even when comparing similar engine configurations. The extra doors and the longer wheelbase of the Charger contribute to its higher curb weight, along with equipment and structural differences between the two models.
What drives the weight difference?
Body design and dimensions
The Charger is a larger, four-door sedan with a longer overall length and greater door mass. Its architecture adds structural components to accommodate rear seating and a longer cabin, all of which contribute to higher curb weights compared with the two-door Challenger, which is designed to prioritize a lighter, more compact footprint for sportier handling.
Powertrain options and equipment
Powertrain choices—from a base V6 to high-performance supercharged V8s—significantly influence weight. Heavy engines, larger braking systems, and specialized performance bits found on top-tier Charger and Challenger variants add to the total mass. Even when two cars share a basic platform, options chosen for each model can push their weights apart by several hundred pounds.
Bottom line
For most buyers and most trims, the Charger will be the heavier of the two models, with the biggest gaps appearing in high-performance variants equipped with larger engines and more equipment. If you’re aiming for a lighter footprint or sportier handling with similar power, the Challenger—especially in its base or mid-range configurations—tends to come in lighter overall. As with any speed-focused vehicle, exact numbers depend on the year, trim, and options chosen.
Summary: The Charger typically weighs more than the Challenger across common trims due to its four-door design, longer wheelbase, and available high-performance powertrains. Weighs can overlap in some configurations, but the general trend favors the Charger on the scales.
How much does a Challenger weigh?
A Dodge Challenger's weight varies by model, but it generally ranges from around 3,800 to over 4,400 pounds. For example, a base SXT model can be about 3,841 pounds, while a high-performance SRT Hellcat can exceed 4,400 pounds.
| Trim Level | Curb Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| SXT | ~3,841 |
| GT | ~4,078 (with AWD) |
| R/T | ~4,158 |
| SRT 392 | ~4,254 |
| SRT Hellcat | ~4,429 |
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What's better, a Charger or Challenger?
There is no single "better" car; the choice between a Dodge Charger and a Challenger depends on your priorities: the Charger is more practical as a four-door sedan that seats five, offers more rear legroom, and has a slightly larger trunk, making it better for daily driving and families. The Challenger, on the other hand, is a two-door coupe that some consider sportier, with potentially better handling due to its lighter weight, and offers a more classic muscle car feel. Both cars share similar engine options and performance capabilities, especially with the V8s.
This video compares the Dodge Charger and Challenger in terms of performance, practicality, and features: 55sBen HardyYouTube · Apr 5, 2021
Charger (for practicality and family)
- Body style: Four-door sedan
- Seating: Seats five passengers comfortably
- Cargo: Slightly larger trunk (16.5 cubic feet) and a pass-through with rear seats folded
- Interior: More rear legroom (40.1 inches) and passenger volume (105 cubic feet)
- Best for: Daily driving, families, or anyone who needs more passenger and cargo space
Challenger (for a sportier coupe feel)
- Body style: Two-door coupe
- Seating: Seats up to five, but with less rear legroom (33.1 inches)
- Performance: Generally considered more agile in handling, potentially due to being lighter, and offers manual transmission options on some models
- Best for: Driving enthusiasts who prioritize a sporty, two-door muscle car experience and may not need to carry many passengers regularly
Similarities
- Performance: Both offer a wide range of powerful engine options, from V6 to supercharged V8s, with comparable 0-60 mph times on similar engines
- Technology: Both share similar infotainment systems with features like Uconnect, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay
- Styling: Both have an iconic, bold, muscle car design with modern touches
Ultimately, the better car comes down to whether you need the Charger's practicality or the Challenger's classic two-door coupe styling and potentially sportier handling.
Is Challenger heavier than Charger?
The base curb weight of the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT is 3,964 pounds while the 2023 Dodge Challenger weighs in at 3,841 pounds.
Is a Dodge Charger a heavy car?
- Dodge Charger SXT: Curb Weight of 3,964 to 4,205 lbs.
