Cross shopping Camaro and Challenger

[Dakota Kid]

Ok guys, I am now on the fence between a new Camaro SS and the 09 Challenger RT. I am curious as to how many of you are choosing between these two cars, or have already chosen. I realize this is a Camaro board and most if not all here are Camaro enthusisasts, as am I. I have owned three Camaros, and loved them all.

But I love the design of the new Challenger RT as well. I realize the SS will be a little faster, but honestly, for a car that already does sub zero 0-60 times that is not very important to me.

So...I would love to hear some honest, objective comparisons of the Camaro and Challenger..realizing that nobody here has driven the new SS yet.

[PD123]

The Challenger feels to big and heavy.

[kdbolt70]

Go drive a Challenger R/T. A lot of people complain about the lackluster interior. Then, try to drive a G8 GXP, or at least a GT to get a feel for the camaro's handling. It will probably feel a bit different than the Challenger. in terms of performance, the SS will more or less blow it away.

[blackZbandit]

Originally Posted by PD123

The Challenger feels to big and heavy.

GM is in a better, or not as terrible, financial position than Chrysler (not by much but still better) so with the Chally you run a bigger risk of little to no manufacturer support in the future. If performance between the 2 is not a big deal that I'd say go with your gut. When the SS hits lots test drive that along with the RT the same day and see which one feels better. From you saying that you're enamored with the Chally styling I'm assuming you're leaning in that direction. If after the test drives that's what your gut still says roll with it.

My mind is appparently made up and has been for some time, but I did test drive a Challenger a few weeks ago (RT) and although it is a fast car you can feel it contending with it's weight some. Reviews of the Camaro V6 which has a lower power/weight ratio than the SS say the weight isn't even noticeable so I'd expect the same or better to be true for the SS. The Camaro's interior is admittedly polorizing (i love it), but if nothing else it is faaaaaaar more unique and stylish than the Challenger's. Since this is where you spend most of your time with the car I'd expect satisfaction with the cabin to be high on everyone's pro/con list.

Like I said, it all comes down to what your gut says... but if it's still confused after driving both of them, go with the winner on paper which is undoubtedly the Camaro SS.

[kanys]

Depends on your driving style and on what roads you will do most of your traveling. If you don't drive too fast you probably just barely notice the SS's better performance numbers. I have also heard the Chally is a great car for highway drives, which is most likely due to its boat-like qualities. And for this reason if you drive in an area with lots of corners or something the Camaro will be better for you, I think. It comes down to what you personally prefer, but if you find youself comparing the stats, you will regret not buying the Camaro in the future if you go with the R/T now.

[CamaroScotty]

Yea, the challenger doesn't handle well - not even set up for the track...

as shown here - not even making turn one at road america



http://blog.cardomain.com/2008/05/03/dodge-challenge-2/

[Dave_SS]

Long time reader; first time poster so forigve any ignorance:

I've been tryin to decide between the camaro and the challenger myself and I too have to say I love the look of the Challenger. However, given the price difference (SRT8 vs. SS) I am having a very hard time justifying the Chally. However, if you are thinking about buying the RT (370hp) the prices match up a lot better.

As for as that goes I can tell you that my last car was a 2006 Dodge Charger RT which, I'm sure you already know, has a lot in common with the Chally. I loved that car and it was very quick. I did have some big complaints though:
1. the traction control could not be turned off completely
2. it was almost too big (handling and cornering was difficult)
3. the interior was cheap (mostly hard plastic)
4. I don't now what the maintenance is going to cost for the camaro but the 5.7L Hemi takes 7 quarts of synthetic oil and has 16 sparkplugs that have to be replaced at 30k miles.
5. Also, that engine was set to run at very high temperatures and on a hot summer day you could feel the engine lose power as it ran less efficiently.

For all of those reasons and the price difference I have decided to go with the camaro.

I hope that answers your question...

[Dakota Kid]

[QUOTE=blackZbandit;282919]

GM is in a better, or not as terrible, financial position than Chrysler (not by much but still better) so with the Chally you run a bigger risk of little to no manufacturer support in the future. If performance between the 2 is not a big deal that I'd say go with your gut. When the SS hits lots test drive that along with the RT the same day and see which one feels better. From you saying that you're enamored with the Chally styling I'm assuming you're leaning in that direction. If after the test drives that's what your gut still says roll with it.

This is a concern for me...I think of the Big 3, Chrysler is the most likely to go under. The thought of no manufacturer support really blows.

Yes, the Challenger is heavy....but I am not looking for a track car. I realize that I will just have to drive the SS and the RT back to back to draw my own seat of the pants conclusions....but the waiting blows.

[Dakota Kid]

Originally Posted by Dave_SS

Long time reader; first time poster so forigve any ignorance:

I've been tryin to decide between the camaro and the challenger myself and I too have to say I love the look of the Challenger. However, given the price difference (SRT8 vs. SS) I am having a very hard time justifying the Chally. However, if you are thinking about buying the RT (370hp) the prices match up a lot better.

As for as that goes I can tell you that my last car was a 2006 Dodge Charger RT which, I'm sure you already know, has a lot in common with the Chally. I loved that car and it was very quick. I did have some big complaints though:
1. the traction control could not be turned off completely
2. it was almost too big (handling and cornering was difficult)
3. the interior was cheap (mostly hard plastic)
4. I don't now what the maintenance is going to cost for the camaro but the 5.7L Hemi takes 7 quarts of synthetic oil and has 16 sparkplugs that have to be replaced at 30k miles.
5. Also, that engine was set to run at very high temperatures and on a hot summer day you could feel the engine lose power as it ran less efficiently.

For all of those reasons and the price difference I have decided to go with the camaro.

I hope that answers your question...

Yes, I test drove an 09 Charger RT and it did fine for what it is....but clearly handling is not its strength. So the Charger is out of the running for now.

[PQ]

Haven't driven the D C but the salesman still calls me alot. He knows I'm waiting for the Camaro and he keeps waiving the carrot in front of my face. Choice is easy for me. I know the Camaro will be a good car and that coupled with the fact that the design rocks, as does the Chall. I am a Camaro guy. But the wait will be well worth it to sit them side by side and compare.

When you test drive the Camaro, drive it to Dodge and park it next to the Chall. and let the salesman hash it out.

Might actually be a good ploy.

[fsuredneck]

I'm in the same boat. I can't decide between an IBM 1LT/RS with white interior accents and katzkin seat covers, or a Torred Challenger R/T, with chrome exterior accents. I'll tell you how I'm analyzing the two.

I've test driven the Challenger, and it's a great cruising car. The exterior styling is much cooler than the Camaro in my opinion, but I think it's just because of the more retro styling. If I get the Challenger, the SRT8 would be excessive for a daily driver, but I feel like I'm choppin a ball off if I get the V6. The interior of the car is bland, but it's extremely roomy and comfortable, even in the backseat. You can definitely feel the weight on corners, but it's got some muscle to show your passengers. I also like seeing a hemi under the hood rather than a V6. I also like the huge trunk capacity. Everything also seems to be pretty solid as far as manufacturing goes. Theres not much that looks "cheap".

The Camaro I've only seen in pictures as of yet. I personally like Chevy over Dodge during my lifetime, but Chevy has been disappointing recently. The interior of their more recent vehicles seem to be more "cheaply" made. Also, my dad got a fairly new Tahoe recently, and it has had numerous problems, nothing though to completely push me away from Chevy. The Camaro is smaller and lighter, which, combined with a very powerful and fairly fuel-efficient V6, proves to win over the Challenger. I'm about 6'1" and 250 lbs, so I usually have to put the seat all the way back on everything I drive, which pretty much eliminates the seat behind me in the Camaro. I also can't tell from pics just how big the trunk is.

I'm not making any final judgments on the Camaro until I can see one and drive it. Until then, I'm still completely up in the air.

[Dakota Kid]

Originally Posted by fsuredneck

I'm in the same boat. I can't decide between an IBM 1LT/RS with white interior accents and katzkin seat covers, or a Torred Challenger R/T, with chrome exterior accents. I'll tell you how I'm analyzing the two.

I've test driven the Challenger, and it's a great cruising car. The exterior styling is much cooler than the Camaro in my opinion, but I think it's just because of the more retro styling. If I get the Challenger, the SRT8 would be excessive for a daily driver, but I feel like I'm choppin a ball off if I get the V6. The interior of the car is bland, but it's extremely roomy and comfortable, even in the backseat. You can definitely feel the weight on corners, but it's got some muscle to show your passengers. I also like seeing a hemi under the hood rather than a V6. I also like the huge trunk capacity. Everything also seems to be pretty solid as far as manufacturing goes. Theres not much that looks "cheap".

The Camaro I've only seen in pictures as of yet. I personally like Chevy over Dodge during my lifetime, but Chevy has been disappointing recently. The interior of their more recent vehicles seem to be more "cheaply" made. Also, my dad got a fairly new Tahoe recently, and it has had numerous problems, nothing though to completely push me away from Chevy. The Camaro is smaller and lighter, which, combined with a very powerful and fairly fuel-efficient V6, proves to win over the Challenger. I'm about 6'1" and 250 lbs, so I usually have to put the seat all the way back on everything I drive, which pretty much eliminates the seat behind me in the Camaro. I also can't tell from pics just how big the trunk is.

I'm not making any final judgments on the Camaro until I can see one and drive it. Until then, I'm still completely up in the air.

Bingo. That is exactly where I am. I have not seen Camaro in person yet....but from the pics I love the exterior...but lukewarm on the interior. I sat in the Chally and love the interior...very plain but functional and roomy. I am 6'3" and 215. I too have preferred Chevy over Dodge in my lifetime, but I have never owned a Dodge product. I too love the Tor/Red Chally...especially the RT Classic just now coming out. Styling wise the Chally does it for me....but this Chevy may trump it.

I could get a loaded RT for about 30K....but a loaded SS will likely run upper 30's. Not to mention Dodge has 0% interest for up to 60 months...and GM will likely not have any financing on the Camaro for a year or two.

Damn the waiting truly sucks.

[Dakota Kid]

Originally Posted by irpq11

Haven't driven the D C but the salesman still calls me alot. He knows I'm waiting for the Camaro and he keeps waiving the carrot in front of my face. Choice is easy for me. I know the Camaro will be a good car and that coupled with the fact that the design rocks, as does the Chall. I am a Camaro guy. But the wait will be well worth it to sit them side by side and compare.

When you test drive the Camaro, drive it to Dodge and park it next to the Chall. and let the salesman hash it out.

Might actually be a good ploy.

Damn, that would be a good tactic!

[MrIcky]

Originally Posted by Dakota Kid

for a car that already does sub zero 0-60 times that is not very important to me.

Sub zero 0-60 times? I thought only Chuck Norris had the power to stop the Earth's spin.

JK, I'm just jealous of your dillemma.