CHALLENGER EXPERIENCE - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

greenrail · 03-31-2011, 01:38 PM

Well, fellow Camaro lovers. I generally like to experiment and get a feel for what is out there on the Market. My lovely bride and I went to Phoenix at the end of February to visit some friends and go to the NASCAR Races that weekend.

When we arrived at Sky Harbor Airport, we went to Budget Rent-a- Car, through whom I had reserved a car for the weekend. When my turn came to take care of business, I asked what they had available. Primarily I was seeking something somewhat sporty in nature. Yes, Camaros were available. I was also told they had Dodge Challengers. Of course, my next question was what type. Hemi, R/T, I was told by the agent. Well, that made it simple. I selected that for our wheels for the weekend.

We went out to he parking garage, and were greeted by a bright Red Challenger R/T. Nice car to look at for sure. Well, we loaded up our luggage. Got comfortable and settled in for our drive out to our friends’ place of residence.

Overall, I have to say I liked the Challenger. Nice amount of interior room. Being a rental, it wasn’t as well taken care of as my Rosie. But, the interior had a nice ambiance to it. Leather was a bit rougher in Texture than Rosie’s. The overall feel was that of a big car. Being the owner of a Chrysler 300C, I felt like I was driving my daily means of transport.

Definitely not as quick as my Camaro, but, definitely adequate and something with which I could live with a on daily basis. Sight lines were relatively decent. Handling, just like my 300C.

My friend and I took it out for a drive one evening. Much like my Camaro, it likes to run. Acceleration was good. It was definitely easy to lose sight of the speed limit. Backed off well before I did something silly. But, let’s just say, rock solid at higher speeds.

My overall impression, after spending five days with this car was very positive. Nothing but thumbs-up from the locals. It certainly draws attention.

Now, here is where I digress with some of my fellow Camaro lovers. Yeah its larger and heavier. But, it seems targeted at a slightly different market than the Camaro. More of a cruiser and bruiser if you will.

Would I trade my Camaro. Heck no! Would I like to have one in my Garage, heavens Yes. (And I have always stated that in previous posts.) It’s really a nice automobile, just a slightly different take on a sporty coupe.

GMtothecore · 03-31-2011, 01:53 PM

Nice story. I'd also like to drive one for a few days to get a feel for it, heck even a new GT.

greenrail · 03-31-2011, 01:58 PM

I have to admit, I really liked the car. If I had really deep pockets, I would have an SRT/8 and a GT500 in my fleet. I like them all. I am an auto nut. Not a fanboy.

91Z28350 · 03-31-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenrail

I have to admit, I really liked the car. If I had really deep pockets, I would have an SRT/8 and a GT500 in my fleet. I like them all. I am an auto nut. Not a fanboy.

Could not have said it better myself! I think people tend to overlook the fact that the current Challenger is more of a late sixties muscle car sized vehicle. Even the original Challenger was big for a pony car, with a hemi they were approximately 3800 pounds. That being said, I would love to have the scratch to have a trifecta of modern American muscle (SRT8, GT500, ZL1) in my garage (and while I am at it, the new Charger, '06 GTO, Aston Martin DBS, Lambo Aventador.... oops, daydreaming again!

)

greenrail · 03-31-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91Z28350

Could not have said it better myself! I think people tend to overlook the fact that the current Challenger is more of a late sixties muscle car sized vehicle. Even the original Challenger was big for a pony car, with a hemi they were approximately 3800 pounds. That being said, I would love to have the scratch to have a trifecta of modern American muscle (SRT8, GT500, ZL1) in my garage (and while I am at it, the new Charger, '06 GTO, Aston Martin DBS, Lambo Aventador.... oops, daydreaming again!

)

Not to mention a ZR1 and a CTS-V!

91Z28350 · 03-31-2011, 03:11 PM

LOL I stopped after $800,000 or so. Otherwise the list got MUCH longer!

greenrail · 03-31-2011, 03:53 PM

Yes indeed.. We all have somewhat rather extensive wish lists. Mine would bankrupt me in a heartbeat!

bmwdon · 03-31-2011, 05:07 PM

yarg, they let a RT out of the factory with 18" rims? wierd.

greenrail · 03-31-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwdon

yarg, they let a RT out of the factory with 18" rims? wierd.

From everything I can find, 18" rims are standard on the R/T.

Blownhotrodder · 03-31-2011, 09:49 PM

Yes they are.

SleepWarz · 03-31-2011, 09:53 PM

Well it was better than this challenger experience....
http://www.streetfire.net/video/dodg...ed_2227913.htm

sad

Blownhotrodder · 04-01-2011, 02:16 AM

Wow that just sucks.

bmwdon · 04-01-2011, 06:16 AM

Damn, never personally seen a rt on the lot with 18" on them....v6's, yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenrail

From everything I can find, 18" rims are standard on the R/T.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blownhotrodder

Yes they are.

c-dub · 04-01-2011, 07:10 AM

I test drove a chally before I got my Camaro, I like those cars too. I always give thumbs up to challenger drivers and they usually reciprocate on the road

...mustang guys just look jealous most of the time though lol

03-31-2011, 01:38 PM	#1
greenrail Comic Curmudgeon Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS-2010 VW CC Sport Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near Chicago, IL Posts: 2,395	CHALLENGER EXPERIENCE Well, fellow Camaro lovers. I generally like to experiment and get a feel for what is out there on the Market. My lovely bride and I went to Phoenix at the end of February to visit some friends and go to the NASCAR Races that weekend. When we arrived at Sky Harbor Airport, we went to Budget Rent-a- Car, through whom I had reserved a car for the weekend. When my turn came to take care of business, I asked what they had available. Primarily I was seeking something somewhat sporty in nature. Yes, Camaros were available. I was also told they had Dodge Challengers. Of course, my next question was what type. Hemi, R/T, I was told by the agent. Well, that made it simple. I selected that for our wheels for the weekend. We went out to he parking garage, and were greeted by a bright Red Challenger R/T. Nice car to look at for sure. Well, we loaded up our luggage. Got comfortable and settled in for our drive out to our friends’ place of residence. Overall, I have to say I liked the Challenger. Nice amount of interior room. Being a rental, it wasn’t as well taken care of as my Rosie. But, the interior had a nice ambiance to it. Leather was a bit rougher in Texture than Rosie’s. The overall feel was that of a big car. Being the owner of a Chrysler 300C, I felt like I was driving my daily means of transport. Definitely not as quick as my Camaro, but, definitely adequate and something with which I could live with a on daily basis. Sight lines were relatively decent. Handling, just like my 300C. My friend and I took it out for a drive one evening. Much like my Camaro, it likes to run. Acceleration was good. It was definitely easy to lose sight of the speed limit. Backed off well before I did something silly. But, let’s just say, rock solid at higher speeds. My overall impression, after spending five days with this car was very positive. Nothing but thumbs-up from the locals. It certainly draws attention. Now, here is where I digress with some of my fellow Camaro lovers. Yeah its larger and heavier. But, it seems targeted at a slightly different market than the Camaro. More of a cruiser and bruiser if you will. Would I trade my Camaro. Heck no! Would I like to have one in my Garage, heavens Yes. (And I have always stated that in previous posts.) It’s really a nice automobile, just a slightly different take on a sporty coupe. Attached Images __________________ Member Illinois Camaro Club His Name is Rosie - "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick!" - If you know who said that, then you know the genesis of his name. Last edited by greenrail; 03-31-2011 at 01:49 PM.

03-31-2011, 01:53 PM	#2
GMtothecore "That Guy" Drives: Camaro SS...........what else? Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: OOOOOOOklahoma where the wind comes sweepin' down the plains. Posts: 2,360	Nice story. I'd also like to drive one for a few days to get a feel for it, heck even a new GT. __________________

03-31-2011, 01:58 PM	#3
greenrail Comic Curmudgeon Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS-2010 VW CC Sport Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near Chicago, IL Posts: 2,395	I have to admit, I really liked the car. If I had really deep pockets, I would have an SRT/8 and a GT500 in my fleet. I like them all. I am an auto nut. Not a fanboy. __________________ Member Illinois Camaro Club His Name is Rosie - "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick!" - If you know who said that, then you know the genesis of his name.

03-31-2011, 03:53 PM	#7
greenrail Comic Curmudgeon Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS-2010 VW CC Sport Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near Chicago, IL Posts: 2,395	Yes indeed.. We all have somewhat rather extensive wish lists. Mine would bankrupt me in a heartbeat! __________________ Member Illinois Camaro Club His Name is Rosie - "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick!" - If you know who said that, then you know the genesis of his name.

03-31-2011, 05:07 PM	#8
bmwdon I refuse to go smurfy Drives: 2009 Challenger SRT8, 2010 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: MD Posts: 1,311	yarg, they let a RT out of the factory with 18" rims? wierd. __________________ -Bill...the Camaro was my wifes, now she's got a minivan Challenger- 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Procharger D1 Supercharger: 10.895 @ 126.720 MPH

03-31-2011, 03:11 PM	#6
91Z28350 Drives: 2012 GT500 SVTPP 2010 Traverse LTZ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Roanoke,TX Posts: 665	LOL I stopped after $800,000 or so. Otherwise the list got MUCH longer!

03-31-2011, 09:49 PM	#10
Blownhotrodder Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clarkesville , GEORGIA Posts: 1,859	Yes they are.

03-31-2011, 09:53 PM	#11
SleepWarz Banned Drives: 1991 New Yorker, 69 Tbird, ABM2SSRS Join Date: May 2009 Location: BC Canada Posts: 2,248 View My Garage	Well it was better than this challenger experience.... http://www.streetfire.net/video/dodg...ed_2227913.htm sad

04-01-2011, 02:16 AM	#12
Blownhotrodder Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clarkesville , GEORGIA Posts: 1,859	Wow that just sucks.

04-01-2011, 07:10 AM	#14
c-dub It's that guy Drives: 2011 SIM SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hopewell VA Posts: 673 View My Garage	I test drove a chally before I got my Camaro, I like those cars too. I always give thumbs up to challenger drivers and they usually reciprocate on the road ...mustang guys just look jealous most of the time though lol __________________ We mortals are but shadows and dust.

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