For years, the Dodge Charger sought to fit itself in the elite class of high-performance muscle cars, but how does it measure up to one of its top competitors, the Ford Mustang?
2018 brought a lot of changes for both of these vehicles, so drivers in Monroe Township, Farmingdale, Freehold and Asbury Park can compare the key differences between these two high-performance automobiles with our side-by-side comparison. Learn more about the 2018 Dodge Charger and the 2018 Ford Mustang here, and learn where you can go to test drive the winner.
Performance
For 2018, the Mustang gets a new engine lineup. The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The performance engine option is a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that produces 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang also did away with their V6 engine option, which may be disappointing for people who want more than a four-cylinder, but don't quite want to spring for the V8.
The Charger has this covered though. It offers a variety of engine options, including the 3.6-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, the 5.7-liter V8 that produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, and the 6.4-liter V8 that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Not only does it offer the more powerful engine of the two, but it also has options to suit everyone.
Both cars handle well, but the Charger has better road grip, quicker acceleration, and doesn't miss its shift timing. Despite its heavier weight, the Charger is surprisingly surefooted, and won't get hung up in wet weather like the Mustang.
Interior
Like its previous generations, the new Mustang is still claustrophobic, still lacking visibility, and still sparse and cheap-looking at base level. It's also difficult to get in and out of, and the tiny and awkwardly-shaped trunk ensures that you don't have room for much.
The Charger boasts considerable truck space, a spacious cabin, and plenty of headroom and legroom for its passengers to stretch out. The materials are high-quality throughout the trim levels, and the interior is well-designed for comfort and convenience.
Technology
The Charger offers a Uconnect 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen upgrade. Both include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features for the Charger include a standard rearview camera and rear park assist, with many available advanced safety features.
The Mustang only offers a 4.2-inch center display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports for its standard features, and you'd have to move up the trim levels to get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. For safety features, only a rearview camera is standard.
Test Drive the 2018 Dodge Charger at Freehold Dodge
For the best of both worlds, the 2018 Dodge Charger offers the power of a muscle car with the unparalleled comfort and convenience of a family sedan that the Mustang just can't match.
Drivers in Freehold, Monroe Township, Farmingdale and Asbury Park can experience the 2018 Dodge Charger for themselves by visiting Freehold Dodge to schedule a test drive. Contact us today!
