2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
By
STEVE SILER
Dodge took a curious approach to introducing—or perhaps we should say “reintroducing”—its reverently retrospective
Challenger muscle car by starting with the top-dog, 425-hp SRT8 model and making it the only one offered for 2008.
Can you say “collectible”? Alas, Dodge waited until the 2009 model year to follow up with volume versions that
might— might—actually sell in numbers high enough to make the company some significant profits: the V-6–powered
Challenger SE and the muscle-bound,
Hemi-equipped Challenger R/T.
But along with the mass-market models, Chrysler will introduce manual-transmission versions of the Challenger
R/T and SRT8, which together represent the first application of a manual transmission with the new-generation
Hemi V-8s. Recently, we got a chance to drive them all, from the $21,995 base model to the $39,995 SRT8,
and not to give away the ending, but there was one that we found “just right.”
Telling Them Apart
The last thing anyone needs at this point is another styling analysis of the Challenger, especially since it’s
as simple and easy to digest as the equally retrospective Ford Mustang. Worth discussing, however, are the
differences between the Challenger trims so that you can tell from 50 yards which is which, a talent no
muscle-car guy can live without henceforth. And the differences are subtle. Base SE trims get standard
17-inch wheels mounted with relatively thin (in relation to the car, anyway), high-profile 215/65 tires.
Eighteens are optional, as are fog lamps, but there is no available rear spoiler. Visually, the SE is closest
to the 1970 model that was the clear inspiration for this new generation of Challengers.
The R/T adds fog lamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 235/55 tires, a body-color rear spoiler, and a polished
fuel-filler cap beneath the driver’s-side C-pillar. Optional are black-hash-mark-style fender stripes that
Chrysler designers liken to war paint . Clunky five-spoke, chrome-clad wheels measuring 20 inches in diameter
and wearing fatter 245/45 tires are optional, if not terribly tasteful.
The SRT8’s 20s are way cooler, and its tires are yet another 10mm wider, completely flush with the wheel wells.
The SRT8 also gets faux-carbon-fiber hood stripes, xenon lights (optional on the R/T), a matte black deck spoiler,
and a deeper front air dam with functional brake ducts. Speaking of functional ducts, the hood scoops on all
Challengers do indeed contribute to engine-bay ventilation.
Dark, Spooky Interior
As we’ve noted in previous Challenger reviews, the interior is quite comfortable, if dark.
Outward sightlines are hampered by thick pillars, fixed rear headrests, a low roof, and a long hood.
The $21,995 SE’s mostly black interior treatment features some silver-painted plastic that does less to
warm up the interior than to reflect its cheapness. The interior of the R/T doesn’t have any silver stuff
other than a chrome cuff or two and thus absolutely requires the huge optional sunroof to cheer things up.
In This Story
* Modern Muscle Car Battle * Second: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS * First: 2010 Ford Mustang GT More On 2010 Muscle Cars: The 2010 Dodge Challenger is an
aggressive retro-styled street machine.
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