What is faster, a Hellcat or a Challenger?
The Hellcat is faster than a standard Challenger, thanks to its supercharged V8 delivering substantially more horsepower and torque. In straight-line performance, Hellcat variants typically sprint from 0 to 60 mph in the low 3-second range and reach higher top speeds than non-Hellcat Challengers.
To understand why, it helps to look at how Dodge structures the Challenger lineup. The Hellcat family sits at the extreme end of performance, while the base Challenger provides more modest acceleration and lower top speeds. The following overview compares representative figures from common configurations to illustrate the speed gap.
What drives the speed gap
Performance is driven primarily by engine power, forced induction, drivetrain, and aerodynamics. Non-Hellcat Challengers use naturally aspirated or smaller engines with fewer horsepower, which translates into slower 0–60 times and lower top speeds. Hellcat variants employ a supercharged V8 that delivers significantly more horsepower and torque, resulting in faster acceleration and higher top-end speeds. Year, trim, and options like widebody kits or performance tires can widen or narrow the gap.
Notes on model-year and options
Numbers vary by year and configuration. Transmission choice (automatic vs. manual), widebody vs. standard, tires, and drivetrain setup can alter official and real-world measurements. The figures below reflect typical factory specifications for common, contemporary Challenger variants.
Hellcat vs Challenger: a snapshot of typical figures
This list summarizes representative performance figures for common Challenger configurations, illustrating how the Hellcat variants compare with non-Hellcat models. Figures vary by model year, trim, transmission, tires, and equipment like widebody kits.
- Challenger SXT (3.6L V6): about 303 horsepower; 0–60 mph roughly 6.0–6.5 seconds; top speed around 131 mph.
- Challenger R/T (5.7L Hemi V8): about 375 horsepower; 0–60 roughly 5.0–5.3 seconds; top speed around 140–145 mph.
- Challenger Scat Pack (392, 6.4L V8): about 485 horsepower; 0–60 around 4.1–4.5 seconds; top speed near 175 mph.
- Challenger Hellcat (707 hp, 6.2L supercharged V8): 0–60 around 3.4 seconds; top speed about 199 mph.
- Challenger Hellcat Redeye (797 hp): 0–60 around 3.3–3.4 seconds; top speed around 203 mph.
Bottom line: Hellcat variants are faster across the board, delivering considerably quicker acceleration and higher top speeds than a standard Challenger. Exact numbers depend on the year, trim, and options, but the performance gulf is clear.
Bottom line
In straight-line performance, a Hellcat is faster than a standard Challenger. If maximum straight-line speed and rapid acceleration are the goal within the Challenger family, a Hellcat or Redeye variant is the clear choice. For everyday drivability, handling characteristics, and value, non-Hellcat Challengers offer a different balance.
Summary
The Hellcat outpaces a non-Hellcat Challenger in key performance metrics thanks to its higher horsepower and torque. Across variants, the horsepower gap translates to faster 0–60 times and higher top speeds, with Hellcat models typically delivering about 3.4 seconds from 0–60 mph and approaching or exceeding 199 mph, compared with mid to high 5-second 0–60 times and lower top speeds for non-Hellcat Challengers. Real-world results depend on the exact year, trim level, and equipment chosen.
