Which is faster Hellcat or Charger?
In most cases, the Hellcat is faster than the standard Charger. A Charger wearing the Hellcat badge delivers far quicker acceleration and higher top speeds than a non‑Hellcat Charger, while the fastest overall Dodge muscle cars sit in the Challenger lineup (Demon, for example). The exact numbers vary by year and configuration, but the trend is clear: Hellcat trim = more speed.
Understanding the lineup
To compare speed meaningfully, it helps to know what each label represents. The Charger name covers a family of large four‑door sedans with a range of engines, from a 3.6‑liter V6 to mighty V8s. The Hellcat label is a performance upgrade that boosts horsepower dramatically, and is available on Charger models as well as Challenger models. In other words, a Charger can be a “base Charger” or a “Charger Hellcat” depending on the trim you pick.
Key specs by trim
Below are representative power outputs to illustrate the gap between non‑Hellcat Chargers and Hellcat variants. Exact figures can change with model year and options, but the general relationships hold across recent generations.
- Charger SXT/GT (3.6L V6): ≈ 292 hp
- Charger RT (5.7L Hemi V8): ≈ 370 hp
- Charger Scat Pack (6.4L Hemi V8): ≈ 485 hp
- Charger SRT Hellcat (707 hp)
- Charger SRT Redeye (797 hp)
Concluding from these figures: the non‑Hellcat Chargers peak well below the Hellcat variants, and the gap in horsepower translates to noticeable differences in straight‑line speed.
Performance in numbers
Before listing benchmark figures, it’s important to note that performance depends on year, transmission, drivetrain, tires, and weight with options. The numbers below are representative of modern, rear‑wheel‑drive configurations and typical equipment bundles.
- Charger SXT/GT (non‑Hellcat): 0–60 mph roughly 6.0–6.5 seconds; top speed around 125 mph (varies by year and exact setup).
- Charger RT (5.7L Hemi): 0–60 mph roughly 5.0–5.5 seconds; top speed around 140 mph.
- Charger Scat Pack (6.4L Hemi): 0–60 mph roughly 4.0–4.5 seconds; top speed around 168 mph.
- Charger SRT Hellcat (707 hp): 0–60 mph about 3.4–3.5 seconds; top speed near 199 mph.
- Charger SRT Redeye (797 hp): 0–60 mph around 3.3–3.4 seconds; top speed around 203 mph.
In straight‑line acceleration, Hellcat variants outpace the non‑Hellcat Chargers by roughly 1.0–3.0 seconds to 60 mph, and they also reach higher top speeds. The Demon, while the fastest factory V8 option in the Challenger lineup, is not a Charger.
Real‑world considerations
Performance isn’t everything. Tire choice, suspension setup (standard vs. widebody), and transmission tuning all affect how speed translates to real‑world results. A Hellcat with sticky tires and proper launch control will run markedly quicker than a base Charger on the same day, but daily drivability, ride quality, and fuel economy vary widely between trims. For most buyers, the choice isn’t just “faster or slower”—it’s which blend of horsepower, handling, and usability best fits their needs.
Reality check: production status
As of the latest model years, the Charger family has faced changes in production and naming. Dodge has signaled a shift away from traditional internal‑combustion muscle cars toward new performance and electrified models. This means the availability of new Charger models (including Hellcat variants) is limited to older stock or the used market, depending on the region and model year. For enthusiasts who want the fastest Charger, the Hellcat Redeye variants represent the peak of what the Charger line offered in its final production years.
Bottom line
For the straight‑line speed you’re likely seeking, a Hellcat version of the Charger is faster than the non‑Hellcat Charger across the lineup. If you want the absolute quickest factory option in the broader Dodge muscle car family, you’d look to the Challenger lineup (not a Charger) with the Demon at the top. In everyday terms, Hellcat power makes the Charger noticeably quicker—and that’s the core takeaway when comparing Hellcat to Charger.
Summary
In summary, the Hellcat variant is the faster choice when you’re comparing it to a standard Charger. The performance gap is driven by horsepower: roughly 707–797 hp in Hellcat/Redeye Chargers versus 292–485 hp in non‑Hellcat Chargers. The Demon remains the pinnacle of horsepower in the Challenger line, but it isn’t a Charger. Availability of new Chargers has diminished in recent years as Dodge shifts its lineup toward new performance directions.
What's a Hellcats top speed?
The Dodge Hellcat's top speed varies depending on the trim and model year, but here are some reported top speeds: Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: up to 203 mph (327 km/h) Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: up to 219 mph (352 km/h) Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: up to 204 mph (328 km/h)😳😳
What's faster, a charger or a Challenger?
The answer depends on the specific model and the type of speed being measured. In general, the Dodge Challenger is slightly faster in 0-60 mph acceleration due to being lighter, while the Dodge Charger has a higher top speed due to better aerodynamics. The Challenger's lighter weight gives it an advantage in a drag race, while the Charger's superior aerodynamics give it an advantage in a top-speed run.
You can watch this video to learn about the performance differences between Dodge Charger and Challenger: 1mRP ProductionsYouTube · Nov 16, 2017
Acceleration
- The Challenger is generally faster in 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times because it is lighter.
- For example, the 807 horsepower Challenger SRT Super Stock has a 0-60 mph time of 3.25 seconds, while the 797 horsepower Charger Hellcat has a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds.
Top Speed
- The Charger has a higher top speed due to its more aerodynamic design.
- The Charger Hellcat can reach a top speed of around 204 mph, while the Challenger Hellcat's top speed is approximately 198-199 mph.
Which one to choose
- Choose the Challenger if: You prioritize straight-line acceleration, a more sporty feel, or if you plan to do a lot of track or drag racing.
- Choose the Charger if: You prioritize a higher top speed, need easier access for rear passengers, or if you plan to do a lot of highway driving.
Which Dodge is the fastest?
The fastest Dodge is the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, which holds the title for the quickest 0-60 mph time of any production car at 1.66 seconds. It can also run the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph and reaches 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel.
- 0-60 mph: 1.66 seconds
- Horsepower: 1,025 hp (on E85 fuel)
- Quarter-mile: 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph
Is a Dodge Charger faster than a Hellcat?
It's heavier and less powerful, but the 670-hp Charger EV coupe accelerates to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds with the help of all-wheel drive. We put the electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack through its paces, and it beats the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye to 60 mph, but it's close after that.
