Thoughts on Dodge Challenger R/T

[L8RG8R]

I was all aboard the G8 band wagon until I saw that Dodge improved their 5.7L hemi that is going in their Challenger R/T. So now it makes more power than the G8 GT. It looks like it is going to be priced in the low 30s too. Now I'm not sure which car is for me.

Pontiac G8 GT

1. Starts under $30,000
2. 4-door sedan
3. good mileage (AFM)
4. looks modern
5. nicer interior

Dodge Challenger R/T

1. hot muscle car looks
2. lifetime powertrain warranty
3. manual shifter available
4. coupe with a real back seat
5. Fuel management system- looks like this one is getting by the GG tax too.

I like both cars, but love the look of the Challenger. Either way, I'm in saving mode right now. By the time I'm ready to buy, my timing may be good for making an informed decision.

[G8Smitty]

If you can swing it, go for the Challenger. I love the G8GT, but I need four doors. I'd jump on the Challenger SRT8 if I didn't have 3 kids or if I could afford another $40K.

I have a 69 Camaro SS I'd love to trade for a Challenger SRT8. Unfortunately I'm sure it wouldn't be an even trade and I can hardly justify paying for another car.

[1992B4C]

The Challenger is beautiful, but I am an OLD Mopar fan. I got the GT because I have 2 small kids need the extra room. I might get a Challenger for my DD.

[h3llphyre]

Originally Posted by G8Smitty

I have a 69 Camaro SS I'd love to trade for a Challenger SRT8.

Are you sniffing glue?

[G8Smitty]

Originally Posted by h3llphyre

Are you sniffing glue?

Nope! Have you seen one? They are fantastic!

I've driven my Camaro 3 times in a little under three years. It is very nice and fun to drive. It isn’t a knock on my Camaro but a compliment for the Challenger.

[h3llphyre]

Originally Posted by G8Smitty

Nope! Have you seen one? They are fantastic!

I've driven my Camaro 3 times in a little under three years. It is very nice and fun to drive. It isn’t a knock on my Camaro but a compliment for the Challenger.

69 SS > 2009 Challenger. I'm sorry, unless the Challenger is capable of flying to the moon and back, the 69 SS will always be a cooler ride.

[G8Smitty]

I suppose day-to-day I would enjoy a 09 Challenger SRT8 more. You do have a great argument though. Here’s a pic! (Sorry to somewhat hijack)

[HardEight]

The RT starts in the low 30's, wth all the goods I wouldn't be surprised for it to top 35. The manual RT doesn't have AFM so you could possibly get stuck with a GG tax depending on what kind of mileage it gets, but I assume it gets worse than the auto. The interior is horrid on the Challengers. Its also an extremely heavy car for a 2 door, almost exactly the same weight as the G8. Now, the Challenger does look gorgeous, and it has ~10 more HP. So I guess it just comes down to how much money you are wanting to spend to get a pretty car, with 2 less doors and disappointingly comparable performance.

I went with the G8, thats just my choice, you'll have to make your own.

[jerminator]

I thought I read that only the SRT-8 is available first. And it's $40K and up. How soon after will the RT be available? Will the manual be available imediately? If you can wait and want a coupe, go for it. But who knows, maybe there will be a G8 coupe by then and you'll want that instead?

[HardEight]

All of the limited production 2008 models were SRT8's. The 2009's will be all 3 models.

[Heli411]

I owned a Jeep SRT-8, if you want to know the truth I'm not that impressed anymore with Mopar. I also think that all the chrysler products almost look identical inside, I really don't like to get in a Magnum, then a Jeep then a Challenger and feel like I'm in the same car. A small attention to detail that impresses me about the G8 GT is the black headliner. This is something only hi-line european cars normally see.

[G8>550i]

I used to be a Chrysler fan, but everything I have seen from them looks cheap, especially inside. GM has gone in the oppposite direction, I think the G8 interior looks like that of a $40k car. GM has it all over Chrysler in fit and finish, and materials.

The Challenger will be hot until it gets trounced by the new Camaro and Ford's response to beef up the Stang. Then it will look quite fat for a ponycar. Kinda like a chic who looks curvy in college and blows up to 180 lbs 5 years after graduation

[G8Smitty]

From what I seen of the new Camaro, it is going to make the Challenger pure gold.

[G8addict]

Heh, its alright looking. I still think the G8 looks better.

[L8RG8R]

Originally Posted by G8Smitty

From what I seen of the new Camaro, it is going to make the Challenger pure gold.

Agreed. I like the looks of the G8 way better than the Camaro.

[kewlv8]

Originally Posted by L8RG8R

I was all aboard the G8 band wagon until I saw that Dodge improved their 5.7L hemi that is going in their Challenger R/T. So now it makes more power than the G8 GT. It looks like it is going to be priced in the low 30s too. Now I'm not sure which car is for me.

Pontiac G8 GT

1. Starts under $30,000
2. 4-door sedan
3. good mileage (AFM)
4. looks modern
5. nicer interior

Dodge Challenger R/T

1. hot muscle car looks
2. lifetime powertrain warranty
3. manual shifter available
4. coupe with a real back seat
5. Fuel management system- looks like this one is getting by the GG tax too.

I like both cars, but love the look of the Challenger. Either way, I'm in saving mode right now. By the time I'm ready to buy, my timing may be good for making an informed decision.

375HP and 400+Tq, and no GG Tax for ~30k, the Challenger would be a wicked daily driver! I'll take mine in satin black.

[L8RG8R]

Originally Posted by L8RG8R

Agreed. I like the looks of the G8 way better than the challenger.

oops- I meant to say I like the looks of the G8 better than the Camaro.

[L8RG8R]

Originally Posted by kewlv8

375HP and 400+Tq, and no GG Tax for ~30k, the Challenger would be a wicked daily driver! I'll take mine in satin black.

So I'm not the only one stuck between two great cars. It may come down to price and/or deals offered.

[Rue_G8GT]

If you don't need the extra 2 doors definitely go for the New Challenger. Good luck getting an SRT8 right now. From what I've read the SRT8s for this year are already sold out. If you need the extra 2 doors to haul the family around then get the G8.

The New Challenger looks great on the outside but I hate the interior. The interior looks no different than any other Dodge interior. Dodge could've been a little bit more creative with the interior. Other than that I love the New Challenger looks.

[G8 Lover]

I do like the overall look of the Challenger but I think it just plain looks heavy. I don't see that in the G8. Also, the focus of this thread's responses has been focused on looks, what about driving fun? Although the G8 is a heavy car, it is supposed to feel nimble (I still haven't driven one yet to confirm though). The Challenger, if it drives like the 300 or Charger, will feel much heavier while driving. Obviously, this is somewhat speculatory as I haven't yet driven a Challenger either.

The HP difference doesn't seem like it would be a factor with the tunes that are available. I do hear people in the Mopar camp complain about not alot of aftermarket support. I don't know if that matters to you.