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Compare the Chevrolet SS to the Dodge Charger SRT-8 here

2013 Dodge Charger SRT-8 Specifications:

Price: $44,995

Engine: 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine
Horsepower: 470
Torque: 470

Transmission: five-speed automatic transmission

Curb Weight: 4365 lb

Performance (EST)
0-60 MPH: under five seconds
Standing ¼-mile: high 12-second bracket

Fuel Economy (EST)
EPA city/highway driving: 14/23

 

[BlueSS]

I actually never considered a Dodge Charger SRT-8, but I started looking at it some since it will be a competitor. Some guys are running 12.5 in the quarter mile stock. It seems like it might be tough for the Chevy SS to compete with this. I never thought I would consider buying one, but it does look like a really fast car.

Also, it looks like the 2014 Charger will be refreshed with an 8-speed transmission. Dodge claims acceleration and fuel economy will improve.

Any thoughts?

 

[SuperSnake]

Im not sure if this will be fair game for the Chevy SS, the SRT-8 seems to be well ahead of the SS in terms of performance. It almost gets to a point that they can't be really compared.

 

[Jmac]

It'll be interesting to see a head to head comparo between the Srt8 and the SS. The Srt8 will definately be a stunner, but in overall performance I think it'll be similar to that of the SS.

The SRT8 does have 470 hp but it is also nearly 400 lbs heavier than the SS.
(4365 compared to approx. 3900).

The SRT8 also starts at 46K getting closer to 50k as comparitive options to the SS are added. That alone will make pricing critical for the SS.

I personally can't stand the styling of the charger and there's a good chance that could be clouding my judgement. So there is that...

 

[chevypwr]

It'll be interesting to see a head to head comparo between the Srt8 and the SS. The Srt8 will definately be a stunner, but in overall performance I think it'll be similar to that of the SS.

The SRT8 does have 470 hp but it is also nearly 400 lbs heavier than the SS.
(4365 compared to approx. 3900).

The SRT8 also starts at 46K getting closer to 50k as comparitive options to the SS are added. That alone will make pricing critical for the SS.

I personally can't stand the styling of the charger and there's a good chance that could be clouding my judgement. So there is that...

About time someone brought up the Charger's design. I absolutely hate the tail lights. i think it's great they did something different, cause you don't see tail lights like the Charger's on a lot of modern cars but it just kills the rear end IMO.

When lite up it looks even worst to me....

 

[TexSS]

Keep in mind that Chevy has not officially locked down the performance numbers on the LS3 that they are putting it the SS yet. Approximately 415/415 HP/TQ. Under 5s 0 to 60.

If Chevy is going to put it up against the SRT8 as a competitor and it's not matching in the numbers with 415 HP they can always up it before they officially commit to them.

I would imagine that with ~400lb weight difference that an additional 10 to 20 HP will put it even or beyond the SRT8 in straight line and way better in the twisties.

This engine is rated at 430HP in the 2013 Vette. So it's not like Chevy doesn't already have this engine/HP pairing.

 

[brianch]

I'd rather get this SRT-8

Only Jeep I'd ever want to own.

 

[BlueSS]

I test drove a Dodge Charger SRT8 the other day. Going into the test drive I never thought I would like it b/c I have never liked Chrysler. After driving it, I was really impressed. If they do end up putting an 8 speed transmission in it for 2014, it will be a very close call against the SS. At the same price I would go for the Charger (I wouldn't really get any options, so the price would be around $45-46k) given the hp and mpg advantage.

I think the Charger with the 8 speed could get almost 25 mpgs on the highway. I know you don't buy V8's for the fuel economy, but I am pretty used to my Mustang GT getting 25-26 mpgs on the highway and 20 seems pretty bad if that is what the SS will get.

 

[chevypwr]

I test drove a Dodge Charger SRT8 the other day. Going into the test drive I never thought I would like it b/c I have never liked Chrysler. After driving it, I was really impressed. If they do end up putting an 8 speed transmission in it for 2014, it will be a very close call against the SS. At the same price I would go for the Charger (I wouldn't really get any options, so the price would be around $45-46k) given the hp and mpg advantage.

I think the Charger with the 8 speed could get almost 25 mpgs on the highway. I know you don't buy V8's for the fuel economy, but I am pretty used to my Mustang GT getting 25-26 mpgs on the highway and 20 seems pretty bad if that is what the SS will get.

Thanks for the feedback on your test drive of the Dodge Charger SRT8.
Have you ever driven the Pontiac G8? If so, how do you like it compared to the SRT8. Since the G8 is the closest thing to the 2014 SS from GM in the recent years this might be a way to suspect what the SS will be like.

 

[BlueSS]

I haven't driven a Pontiac G8. I am only recently in the market for a 4 door car b/c I am having a second child soon. 2 kids in the back of a Mustang would be difficult.

I have been reading about the Charger SRT8 since driving it, and it looks like a lot of people are saying that the 8-speed may be delayed until the 2015 model year. That could help the SS some in comparison tests and make my decision more difficult.

 

[TT C6]

I haven't driven a Pontiac G8. I am only recently in the market for a 4 door car b/c I am having a second child soon. 2 kids in the back of a Mustang would be difficult.

I have been reading about the Charger SRT8 since driving it, and it looks like a lot of people are saying that the 8-speed may be delayed until the 2015 model year. That could help the SS some in comparison tests and make my decision more difficult.

If you have to deal with winter roads, go drive the G37x, Charger RT AWD, and the S4 with S-tronic. If MSRP doesn't make sense, look into pre-owned.

It's a shame GM put a piece of $hit rear in the 1st Gen CTS-V and they screwed everyone buy not initially launching Holdens as Chevy's.
They both would have been good used car alternatives if GM didn't [email protected] those 2 up.

PS
I had a deposit on the very 1st CTS-V in my state.
But, as a long time car guy, previous GM screw ups had me afraid to trust them with my $55k on a whole new market segment for them. (high performance sedan)
Walking out of the showroom without signing that CTS-V paperwork might have been the best car decision I have ever made.
The 2 worst decisions were walking away from a 2year old Supra Turbo (stick/targa) for $24k and a 3 month old 1997 C5 for $36k

 

[BowtieDriver]

If you have to deal with winter roads, go drive the G37x, Charger RT AWD, and the S4 with S-tronic. If MSRP doesn't make sense, look into pre-owned.

I wonder what your driving impressions of these two cars is as far as thier strengths and weaknesses are to each other.

 

[chevypwr]

The 2 worst decisions were walking away from a 2year old Supra Turbo (stick/targa) for $24k and a 3 month old 1997 C5 for $36k

That specific supra being 2 years old $24k was definitely a golden opportunity. I've only seen them go for as much as $10k more at that time. Even now MKIV Supra's are still priced high.

Thankfully the southern states has a good number of them for reasonable prices

Never knew you were a Toyota guy, I guess you appreciate just about anything with real performance.

 

[Big Block Meister]

About time someone brought up the Charger's design. I absolutely hate the tail lights. i think it's great they did something different, cause you don't see tail lights like the Charger's on a lot of modern cars but it just kills the rear end IMO.

When lite up it looks even worst to me....

I did like the dodge charger srt but comparing it to the Chevy SS the exterior I think looks so much better than the boxy exterior of the charger SRT. The Chevy SS has a nice combination of sleek and modern designs and smoother. Pretty much the Chevy SS has a more up to date look and seems more worth it for the price.

 

[johnh]

At least no one mistakes the Charger SRT8 for a 200, I am sure the SS owners will get asked all the time how do you like your Malibu.....just like us G8 owners have to deal with the "is that a G6?"

That being said I bet aftermarket will have some nice options for the SS

 

[Agose25]

What does everyone think of the front end? I personally do like this aspect of the styling. Very aggressive and muscular. Reminds me of a Sting Ray or a Whale Shark a little bit.

As for the comparison to the G8 only cammed GTs and Bolt on GXPs can really hang with an SRT-8 Charger. They are fast and not to be taken lightly.

The rule of thumb stock is R/T < G8 GT < G8 GXP < SRT-8

I suspect the SS will fall in line relative to the GXP.

 

[jaxredg8]

I personally don't like the "evo" looking front end on the new ones but everyone seems to be going to some form of it... And some people love it. I'll keep my 08. JMO

 

[BlueSS]

I do like the front end a lot. The more I look at the Dodge Charger SRT8 and times guys are running, the more I just want to buy one now. I guess I will wait to see the price for the SS and how it performs, but I think it will have to be at a decent discount to the SRT8 for me to get it.

 

[BowtieDriver]

At least no one mistakes the Charger SRT8 for a 200, I am sure the SS owners will get asked all the time how do you like your Malibu.....just like us G8 owners have to deal with the "is that a G6?"

That being said I bet aftermarket will have some nice options for the SS

Yeah but alot of people who ask that do it to piss off G8 drivers.

 

[Agose25]

Yeah but alot of people who ask that do it to piss off G8 drivers.

I disagree. Unless they are your wrench head friends that KNOW that gets under your skin, people literally have no idea what the G8 is for the most part. 4 years of ownership in a major city and I have had maybe 3-4 people approach me ever who know exactly what I am driving. Pontiac made little effort in marketing the G8 and of course folded a few months after my purchase. G6, 5-Series BMW, The new GTO, I have heard it all.

The SS will be called everything under the sun I'm sure by people who aren't enthusiasts. I bet most will mistake it for an Impala or Malibu. GM might market the **** out of this though, and NASCAR helps alot!