Is a scat pack or hellcat faster?

In straight-line speed, the Hellcat is faster than the Scat Pack in nearly all metrics. The Scat Pack offers strong performance for its price, but it cannot match the raw power and acceleration of the Hellcat lineup.

Power and engineering

Below are the core powertrain differences that drive the speed gap between the two trims.

• Scat Pack: 6.4-liter Naturally Aspirated Hemi (392 cubic inches) producing about 485 horsepower and roughly 475 lb-ft of torque. Available with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, with performance-oriented options but no forced induction from the factory.


• Hellcat (standard): 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi producing about 707 horsepower and around 650-670 lb-ft of torque. Typically paired with an 8-speed automatic; manual transmissions were offered only on select early-production models and are rare today.


• Hellcat variants beyond the standard: Redeye and Jailbreak elevate horsepower to about 797–807 hp (with torque roughly in the 700–750 lb-ft range, depending on package). These models emphasize maximum straight-line performance and often receive additional cooling and tuning for drag-focused use.

In summary, the Hellcat family delivers substantially more horsepower and torque than the Scat Pack, along with enhanced cooling and gearing that support higher performance levels. That power delta is the primary reason the Hellcat is faster in acceleration and top speed.

Performance in numbers

These figures illustrate how the two trims compare in real-world acceleration and top-end speed. Times vary based on drivetrain, tires, weather, and launch technique, but the trends are clear: Hellcat variants are faster than Scat Pack in most objective tests.

0-60 mph times

• Scat Pack (8-speed automatic): roughly 4.2–4.5 seconds


• Hellcat (8-speed automatic): roughly 3.3–3.5 seconds


• Hellcat Redeye/Jailbreak (8-speed automatic): typically around 3.3–3.5 seconds, sometimes a touch quicker with ideal conditions

Conclusion: In 0-60 acceleration, the Hellcat family consistently beats the Scat Pack by about a second or more, with the higher-horsepower Redeye/Jailbreak variants offering the fastest launches.

Quarter-mile times

• Scat Pack: typically in the 12.0–12.5 second range at around 110–114 mph


• Hellcat: typically in the 11.2–11.7 second range at about 120–126 mph


• Redeye/Jailbreak: roughly 10.8–11.2 seconds, frequently exceeding 130 mph

Conclusion: The Hellcat lineup, especially its Redeye and Jailbreak variants, achieves faster quarter-mile times than the Scat Pack, reflecting the horsepower advantage and higher launch potential.

Top speed

• Scat Pack: about 180–184 mph depending on gear ratio and tires


• Hellcat: around 199 mph in most configurations


• Redeye/Jailbreak: typically in the 199–203 mph range, with some setups nudging toward the higher end under ideal conditions

Conclusion: Top-speed figures favor the Hellcat family, with Redeye/Jailbreak variants pushing toward or beyond 200 mph in factory trim.

Practical considerations

Beyond raw speed, ownership experience, cost, and daily drivability influence which is “faster” in a real-world sense. Here are the practical factors to weigh when choosing between a Scat Pack and a Hellcat.

• Pricing and value: The Scat Pack is substantially cheaper to buy and insure than a Hellcat, making it a faster way to experience high performance without the premium price.


• Daily usability: Scat Pack models tend to deliver better everyday comfort, fuel economy (relative to horsepower), and lower running costs. Hellcats demand more maintenance, tire wear, and cooling considerations, especially in aggressive driving.


• Maintenance and reliability: The supercharged Hellcat powertrain can require more specialized maintenance and higher parts costs, whereas the Scat Pack’s naturally aspirated engine is simpler and generally cheaper to service long-term.


• Tires and track readiness: Peak performance on either car depends on tires, suspension, and track conditions; the Hellcat’s power advantage is only realized when the car can put that torque to the ground.


• Resale and depreciation: Higher-spec Hellcat variants hold value reasonably well, but the initial price premium and ongoing maintenance can impact overall ownership cost compared with a Scat Pack.

Bottom line: If your primary goal is to be faster in a straight line and you’re prepared for higher ownership costs, the Hellcat delivers more capability. If you want strong performance at a lower price with easier daily use, the Scat Pack remains an excellent value.

Summary

The Hellcat lineup is the clear faster choice across 0-60 mph, quarter-mile, and top speed benchmarks, thanks to its forced-induction power and tuned drivetrain. The Scat Pack, with its naturally aspirated 6.4L V8, offers compelling performance at a far lower entry price and with more approachable daily usability. For enthusiasts chasing the quickest straight-line times, the Hellcat family is the path to the higher performance figures; for those prioritizing value and daily practicality, the Scat Pack remains a strong option.

Can a Scat Pack go 200 mph?

No, a stock Scat Pack cannot reach 200 mph; its top speed is around 174–182 mph, depending on the transmission, while higher-performance Dodge models like the Hellcat are capable of speeds over 196 mph. To reach 200 mph, a Scat Pack would require significant modifications.
 
You can watch this video to see a top speed test of a Challenger Scat Pack: 57sShmee150YouTube · Sep 27, 2020

• Stock top speed: The top speed for a stock Scat Pack is approximately 174–182 mph, depending on whether it has a manual or automatic transmission. 
• Higher performance models: Dodge's higher-trim models, such as the SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye, have a much higher top speed, with some models reaching close to 200 mph or exceeding it. 
• Modifications: Reaching 200 mph would require aftermarket modifications, including more power-adding components and addressing potential aerodynamic limitations. 

Can a Scat Pack outrun the cops?

Superior power and insane speed don't mean police can't catch you. While a few law enforcement agencies have sprung for Dodge Hellcats and Scat Packs, those types of resources aren't all over the place. That means anyone with such a muscle car could conceivably outrun any cop pursuing them.

Is a Mustang 5.0 faster than a Scat Pack?

A modern 5.0 Mustang is generally faster than a Scat Pack in a straight line, especially in roll races, due to its higher-revving engine and lighter weight. However, a Scat Pack is quicker off the line with its strong low-end torque, and it has more interior space and trunk room.
 
You can watch this video to compare the acceleration of a Mustang GT and a Scat Pack: 49sMotorTrend ChannelYouTube · Oct 13, 2023
Mustang GT (5.0)

• Top speed: Generally higher than the Scat Pack in a drag race.
• Acceleration: Quicker in roll races because its power is more accessible at higher RPMs.
• Handling: More nimble and corners better.
• Weight: Lighter than the Scat Pack. 

Dodge Challenger Scat Pack

• Top speed: Generally lower than the Mustang GT.
• Acceleration: Quicker off the line due to strong low-end torque, but its power band is lower.
• Handling: Feels heavier and less nimble.
• Weight: Heavier than the Mustang GT. 

This video shows the difference in acceleration and handling between the Mustang and the Scat Pack: 1mMod2Fame VlogYouTube · Mar 21, 2024
Which to choose

• For overall performance: The Mustang GT is the faster choice, especially for track or road course driving.
• For daily driving: The Scat Pack offers more interior and trunk space, while still providing powerful performance. 

Is a Scat Pack faster than a Hellcat?

The Scat Pack 6.4-liter V-8, though, has that classic touch to it, with induction whooshes mixing into the unimpeded sound of a high-displacement bomb. You don't need us to tell you that the Hellcat is faster than the Scat Pack. That's a given.