What is the difference between a Dodge Charger GT and RT?
The Charger GT is the all-wheel-drive, V6-powered trim designed for everyday performance and all-weather capability, while the Charger RT centers on traditional rear-wheel-drive power with a booming V8. In short, GT leans more toward practicality and balanced handling, RT toward bigger power and sportier rear-drive dynamics.
Overview
Both the GT and RT sit within Dodge’s Charger lineup, offering distinct approaches to performance in a full-size sedan. The GT is commonly chosen for its versatility and improved traction, whereas the RT is favored by buyers who want more power and a purer RWD experience. Model-year specifics can shift details like horsepower and drivetrain availability, so always verify the exact specs for the year you’re considering.
Engines and Power
Charger GT — V6 powertrain
The Charger GT is built around a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering roughly 300 horsepower and about 264 lb-ft of torque in recent model years. It relies on an eight-speed automatic transmission and typically offers all-wheel drive (AWD) to enhance grip in adverse conditions. Performance figures such as 0-60 mph are generally in the mid-to-high 5-second range, depending on configuration and options.
Charger RT — V8 powertrain
The Charger RT uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, producing roughly 370 to 375 horsepower with around 410 lb-ft of torque in most years. The RT is designed primarily for rear-wheel drive, pairing with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In stock form, it delivers stronger straight-line performance and a more traditional V8 soundtrack, with 0-60 times typically in the low 5-second range when properly equipped and moving with traction.
These power profiles illustrate the core choice: GT prioritizes balanced acceleration with AWD for everyday usability, while RT emphasizes more muscular V8 performance and a purer rear-drive feel.
Drivetrain, Handling, and Practicality
Drivetrain configuration is the most visible difference affecting how each car behaves on the road. The GT’s AWD setup helps with confidence in rain or snow and generally smooths out cornering with added grip. The RT’s RWD focus provides a more classic muscle-car feel, with sharper straight-line acceleration and a different balance through turns. Suspension tuning typically leans toward a sportier ride in both trims, but the RT often feels stiffer and more willing to push into corners, while the GT emphasizes a more compliant daily-drive setup with traction advantages from AWD.
- Charger GT: typically features all-wheel drive (AWD) as a key option, with a V6 engine and sport-tuned handling that favors everyday usability and weather resilience.
- Charger RT: standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a robust V8, delivering stronger straight-line performance and a traditional muscle-car driving feel; AWD is less common and usually not the baseline configuration.
These drivetrain differences influence not only speed, but daily drivability, fuel economy, and the sense of connection to the road. Always confirm the exact drivetrain for the year you’re shopping, as Dodge occasionally tweaked availability and packaging.
Interior, Technology, and Features
Pricing and Availability
- Estimated starting prices (recent years): GT generally lower than RT, reflecting the V6 and AWD emphasis versus the V8 power in RT.
- Model-year variations: horsepower, torque, and available drivetrains can shift slightly from year to year; verify current specs for the exact vehicle you’re considering.
As always, prices and availability are best verified with a local dealership or the official Dodge website for the specific model year you’re interested in.
Summary
In the Dodge Charger lineup, the GT and RT occupy different ends of the performance spectrum. The GT is the practical, all-weather option with a 3.6-liter V6 and AWD, delivering solid performance with everyday usability. The RT is the power-focused choice, pairing a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with rear-wheel drive for a more intense, traditional muscle-car experience. Your choice hinges on whether you value all-weather traction and efficiency (GT) or raw V8 power and a classic RWD feel (RT). Always confirm year-specific numbers and available drivetrains when evaluating a used or new model.
For readers seeking the final takeaway: if you prioritize year-round practicality and smoother daily driving, lean GT. If you crave raw V8 urgency and a purer rear-drive experience, lean RT.
Should I get a GT or RT?
R/T for Pure Muscle and GT for the Daily Drive
If you seek pure muscle-car excitement, powerful performance, and aggressive styling, Dodge's R/T trims will likely resonate most. But if you're looking for sporty versatility, comfort, and daily practicality, GT trims could be your perfect match.
What's the difference between a Dodge Charger RT and GT?
Engine and Transmission
R/T Models: Feature power-house V8 engines, like the Charger's 5.7L HEMI V8. GT Models: Typically equipped with V6 engines that balance power and efficiency, ideal for enjoyable daily driving.
Is a Dodge Charger GT fast?
Yes, a Dodge Charger GT is fast, but it is not the fastest in the Charger lineup, offering a performance-oriented driving experience with a 0-60 mph time of around 6.0-6.5 seconds. It is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine and is a good choice for those who want more speed and handling than a base model, but without the high power of V8 engines like those found in the R/T or Scat Pack models.
You can watch this video to see a review and test drive of the Dodge Charger GT: 1mLawson's Car ReviewsYouTube · Dec 18, 2021
- Acceleration: The Charger GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.0 to 6.5 seconds.
- Engine: It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower.
- Position in lineup: While it's quick, it's not as fast as the V8-powered R/T or Scat Pack models, making it a good step up from the entry-level SXT without going to the most powerful options.
- Top speed: The GT has a top speed of around 132 mph.
This video reviews the Dodge Charger GT and discusses its acceleration: 58sXcelerateYouTube · Sep 6, 2021
What does GT mean on a Dodge Charger?
On a Dodge Charger, GT stands for Grand Touring and designates a trim level that combines sporty styling with V6 engine performance and a balance of efficiency and power. The GT trim takes the aggressive look of higher-end models, adds features like a performance suspension, and is equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine that can be paired with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
GT (Grand Touring)
- Meaning: "Grand Touring," implying a car designed for a balance of performance and comfortable long-distance driving.
- Engine: Equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, producing around 300 horsepower.
- Performance: Offers more spirited driving than the base model and is available with all-wheel drive.
- Styling: Features aggressive sport fascia, performance suspension, and often comes with larger wheels and spoilers to mimic higher-end models.
- Fuel Efficiency: More fuel-efficient than V8-powered models, making it a practical choice for daily driving.
Comparison with R/T (Road/Track)
- GT: V6 engine, focuses on style, sportiness, and efficiency, with available AWD.
- R/T: Traditionally signifies a V8 engine for maximum performance, focusing on raw power.
