Is a Mustang or Challenger safer?
When it comes to choosing between the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger, safety is often a key consideration for buyers. Both vehicles are iconic American muscle cars, known for their performance and style, but how do they compare in terms of safety? In this article, we’ll break down the safety features, crash test ratings, and overall safety considerations for these two popular models.
Crash Test Ratings
Crash test ratings are one of the most reliable ways to assess a vehicle's safety. Both the Mustang and Challenger have been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Here's how they compare:
- Ford Mustang: The Mustang generally receives high marks in crash tests, with a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA in recent model years. It performs particularly well in frontal and side crash tests.
- Dodge Challenger: The Challenger also fares well in crash tests, but its larger size and weight can sometimes work to its advantage in certain crash scenarios. However, it has been noted that the Challenger's roof strength and small overlap front crash test ratings are slightly lower than the Mustang's.
Safety Features
Modern vehicles come equipped with a variety of safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants. Both the Mustang and Challenger offer advanced safety technologies, but there are some differences worth noting:
- Ford Mustang: The Mustang comes with standard safety features like a rearview camera, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offer adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
- Dodge Challenger: The Challenger includes similar features, such as a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring. However, some advanced features like adaptive cruise control are only available on higher trims. The Challenger also offers a unique all-wheel-drive option, which can enhance safety in poor weather conditions.
Size and Weight Considerations
The Dodge Challenger is significantly larger and heavier than the Ford Mustang. While this can provide an advantage in certain types of collisions, it can also make the Challenger less agile and harder to maneuver in emergency situations. The Mustang, being lighter and more compact, offers better handling, which can be a critical factor in avoiding accidents altogether.
Which Is Safer?
Ultimately, the safety of a vehicle depends on a variety of factors, including how it is driven and the specific safety features included in the model you choose. Both the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are equipped with robust safety features and perform well in crash tests, but they cater to slightly different needs:
- If you prioritize agility, advanced safety tech, and top-tier crash test ratings, the Ford Mustang may be the better choice.
- If you value size, weight, and the option for all-wheel drive, the Dodge Challenger could be a safer option for you.
At the end of the day, both vehicles are relatively safe for their class, but it’s important to consider your driving habits, local weather conditions, and the specific safety features of the trim level you’re considering. Always test drive and review the safety ratings of the exact model you plan to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mustangs accident prone?
Crashes per Number of Sold Cars: 3.67%
Accounting for 1,925 crashes in the US from 2016 to 2020, and with 52,384 sales in 2021, it's no wonder that the Mustang is in our top three.
Is insurance high on a Challenger?
The average cost of full coverage car insurance for a Dodge Challenger is 51 percent higher than the national average. A few different factors are at play in these high rates: Crash rate stats: The Dodge Challenger has faced challenges with safety ratings.
Is a Mustang a safe car?
The NHTSA rating on the frontal crash test for the 2023 Ford Mustang is five-star.
What are the disadvantages of a Mustang?
Things We Don't Like
- Steering Feel. The Mustang offers three settings for steering effort, but it's hard to notice much difference between them.
- Carbon-Fiber Knockoff.
- Snug Seats.
What is better a Dodge or a Ford?
Ford's reputation for reliability and practicality ensures a strong customer base. Many drivers trust Ford for its dependable vehicles that cater to everyday needs. However, for those seeking a more thrilling driving experience and reliability, Dodge remains a top choice.
Which year Challenger is most reliable?
The Dodge Challenger's best year is 2015. The 2015 Dodge Challenger gave birth to a modern-day muscle car despite no update in its exterior 70s design style. It has a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 on RepairPal and a yearly repair cost of 650 dollars, making it not only reliable but easy to maintain.
Is the Charger or Challenger safer?
The Challenger received the same 5-star safety rating NHTSA, considering it shares the same platform as the Charger.
Is Mustang more reliable than Dodge?
Reliability and Quality
The Dodge Charger is very reliable and the 2022 model received a stellar 89/100 rating from the experts at J.D. Power. Ford Mustangs have fair to average reliability.
Is a Dodge Challenger safe to drive?
In its review of the 2022 Dodge Challenger, the NHTSA awarded the coupe a full five-star rating. The IIHS was less kind, though, giving the Challenger a rating of Good only in the side-impact and moderate overlap front crash tests. It scored Acceptable or Marginal in the remaining categories.
Which is more reliable, Mustang or Challenger?
Reliability: the mustang's reliability score is 5/10, while the challenger's reliability score is 8/10. If this doesn't seem like a big deal now, it will in a couple years.
