What better comparison could be made between these two iconic cars: the 2023 Ford Mustang vs. the 2023 Dodge Challenger? You're going to get a great return on your investment when you choose either of these new cars, as both are packed with all 2023 has to offer fast-moving muscle and sports coup cars. However, there's a reason one is ranking higher than the other across just about every chart you come across, and our comparison guide will show you why.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The average retail price and the average price paid for a Mustang are lower across the board.
- More seating capacity in the Challenger with five seats compared to the Mustang’s four.
- Challenger offers more legroom than the Mustang.
- The Mustang is more fuel efficient and has a better engine.
THE MUSTANG RUNS ON POWER
The Mustang comes packed under the hood with real power. The standard engine is a 2.3 liter Ecoboost I-4 and 310 horsepower. This rear-wheel drive system comes with 350 ft-lbs of torque and a 6-speed manual transmission. This engine is going to get you better horsepower compared to Dodge's singular engine. The Challenger offers a 3.6 liter V6 engine at 303 horsepower. Also a rear-wheel drive, the Challenger gives 268 ft-lb of torque and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The manual transmission of the Mustang gives drivers more control than the Challenger offers with its automatic transmission, and you're going to feel the power of the engine as it shifts and accelerates. That is something the Challenger doesn't offer. Not to mention you're saving money by going with the stick shift. The sound of the Mustang’s engine, while iconic and exciting, may be too noisy for some areas so keep that in mind while shopping.
SPORTS COUPE OR MUSCLE? KNOW THE PRICE DIFFERENCE.
If you're still having trouble deciding between these two cars, take a look at the price. Muscle cars and sports coupes, while both offer a cool look driving down the road, do different things and the price is to show for it. With its more powerful manual engine, the Mustang is going to be the more affordable option; good news for collectors and new drivers alike. Starting prices for a Challenger are $31,000 with the average being paid around $35,900. Starting prices for the Mustang are around $27,000 with the average being paid around $31,900.
DEFINING FEATURES
One key characteristic of the Dodge Challenger is that it's not going to be in production anymore. Yes, the rumors have proven true - as the Dodge Challenger will stop production this year. On the other hand, there is no word on the Mustang stopping production anytime soon. Other than that, the Challenger offers Apple CarPlay and Andriod auto as well as the Mustang. While cargo space in the Mustang supersedes what the Challnegr offers, be mindful of the more cramped passenger space in the back of the Mustang. Both of these cars have nearly identical safety features like backup cameras, auto headlights, illuminated vanity mirrors, and power door locks. The Mustang does have a couple of advantages with its base model however, providing some features that are only optional in the Challenger, such as rain-sensing wipers with variable speed wipers, and standard power mirrors.
LOOK GREAT DRIVING OFF THE LOT IN THIS CAR
We're sad to see the Challenger go and were curious to see what Dodge has next in store. Until then, make room on the roads for the Mustang. This is going to be your best car in 2023 if you're looking for some fun with a whole lot of muscle behind it. As you climb the engine train, the power of the Ford Mustang is hard to compete against. But for this standard engine, you're going to get a lot of worth out of a Mustang for its lower price and superior power when putting it up against the Challenger. Schedule a test drive today to get a feel for how the Mustang drives, and if you have any questions in the meantime, give us a call and we can help you with anything from estimates to financing.