Nothing gets the heart racing quite like getting behind the wheel of a powerful muscle car. And what better way to experience the thrill of Americana than by taking one of these iconic vehicles out for a spin? From the engine's rumble to the roar of the exhaust, driving a muscle car is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a classic car enthusiast or looking for high-octane thrills, there's no denying these cars' power and excitement.
The 2023 Dodge Charger and the 2023 Ford Mustang are two of the most iconic muscle cars in American automotive history. For decades, these two cars have been battling for supremacy on the roads, racetracks, and in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere. Both cars embody classic American style, with their chiseled front ends, sleek rooflines, and an exhilarating need for speed. But which one offers a more seductive combination of performance, features, and value?
To help you decide, let's pit these two muscle cars head-to-head and compare them across various categories to see which is the most worthy of your hard-earned money. Stay tuned for a classic muscle car showdown to get your heart racing.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
It is only fitting to start this face-off with what's under the hood. After all, these are muscle cars, and they have to have the power to back them up. First up, we have the 2023 Ford Mustang. On the high end, it packs a hefty punch in the engine department with its 5.0-liter V-8 engine, good for 470 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. All Mustangs offer a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission for 2023, excluding the GT500, which gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard and all-wheel drive is unavailable.
On the flip side, the 2023 Dodge Charger offers an even fiercer ride. On the higher end of the spectrum, it has a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that churns out an impressive 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque — a big step up from the Mustang. In addition to its power, all Charger models have an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is also standard, with all-wheel drive being an option on the SXT and GT models.
The Mustang's acceleration from zero to 60 mph comes in at 3.9 seconds. The Charger is slightly quicker at 3.5 seconds, making it a clear winner in the performance category.
Interior Space
The Dodge Charger steals the show yet again, boasting 104.7 cubic feet of interior passenger space with 38.6 inches of front headroom and 40.1 inches of rear legroom. This gives passengers ample room to settle in, even on longer journeys. Cargo space isn't too shabby either, with 16.5 cubic feet in the trunk for storing luggage or multiple bags from the supermarket.
The Ford Mustang falls short in comparison, providing only 84.5 cubic feet of passenger space, 37.6 inches of front headroom, and 29 inches of rear legroom. This may be enough for short trips, but those looking for more comfort and space might be better off with the Dodge Charger. Cargo space could be more generous, with 13.3 cubic feet in the trunk — not bad, but tough to compete with the Charger's 16.5 cubic feet of space.
Exterior Design
Both muscle cars boast iconic exterior designs refined over the years to strike the perfect balance between style and aggressiveness. But there can only be one winner in this category, so which model boasts the most compelling exterior design? Well, it isn't that cut and dry, as the answer is subjective, but both vehicles offer distinct looks that are sure to turn heads.
The 2023 Ford Mustang holds true to its classic look and features a sleek, muscular exterior with bold sculpting. On the other hand, the 2023 Dodge Charger offers a more modern yet timeless look with sharp lines and sporty features. Regarding color customization, you can choose between 15 color options for the Charger and 10 for the Mustang.
It's clear that both vehicles offer eye-catching exterior designs, so you can't go wrong with either choice here. Ultimately, it just comes down to your personal preference.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Creature comforts and tech goodies are an essential part of any new car purchase these days. In this regard, the 2023 Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang offer different experiences.
The Charger has a larger selection of standard features, such as the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You can also opt for Remote Vehicle Start with a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touch-screen display.
The Mustang comes standard with SYNC 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but it's limited to a 4.2-inch display in the base trim. This is considered one of the smallest displays on the market and a notch below what the Charger offers. However, higher trims get an 8.0-inch touch screen and a built-in navigation system.
Audiophiles will be pleased to know they can outfit the Charger with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon GreenEdge audio system for an immersive surround-sound experience. The Mustang's highest audio upgrade is a 12-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen.
So, the Dodge Charger is the way to go if you're looking for a car with the latest tech and plenty of standard features.
Safety
The Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang offer several driver-assist technologies, but they differ in the amount available as standard. The Charger's Technology Group package provides adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. The last two features are standard on the Charger Hellcat models.
On the other hand, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost and GT models come with front automatic braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers as standard. Adaptive cruise control is also available. It's a close call between the two vehicles in terms of safety, but the Mustang has a slight edge.
Test Drive Yours at Our Dealership in Oneonta Today
The 2023 Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang are impressive vehicles with distinct designs and many features. But ultimately, you'll need to decide which fits your budget, lifestyle, and preferences the best. At our All American CDJR dealership in Oneonta, Alabama, we proudly offer both vehicles in our extensive inventory of new cars. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a test drive.