Muscle Car Showdown: Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye vs. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 vs. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (2024)
In an era where electric vehicles are increasingly dominating the future, the traditional muscle cars from Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet stand as the last bastions of an older time. With the farewell of these vehicles, we may be witnessing the end of an iconic era. In this comprehensive comparison, we present the powerful models Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Which of these muscle cars stands out in terms of power, design, and everyday usability?
Technical Specifications and Performance
All three vehicles have impressive performance data that make them top contenders in the muscle car segment.
Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (Nm) | 0-100 km/h | Top Speed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye | 6.2-liter V8 supercharged | 808 | 959 | 3.4 seconds | 327 km/h |
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | 5.2-liter V8 supercharged | 760 | 847 | 3.5 seconds | 290 km/h |
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 6.2-liter V8 supercharged | 650 | 880 | 3.5 seconds | 306 km/h |
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye stands out in this comparison with its enormous power. With 808 hp and an impressive torque of 959 Nm, it offers the highest values, making it especially suited for drag races and long straight tracks. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 also offers strong performance with 650 hp and 880 Nm of torque, positioning itself well between the two competitors.
On the other hand, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 impresses with 760 hp and 847 Nm of torque. Thanks to its powerful supercharged V8, the Shelby GT500 offers enormous acceleration, making it the highest-performance Mustang in this comparison. This model offers an impressive package of power and handling, making it outstanding on race tracks as well as on the road.
Design and Features
The exterior design and interior features of the three models vary greatly, offering drivers unique experiences:
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: With an imposing widebody kit, retro-inspired details, and massive air intakes, the Challenger stands out clearly. The vehicle also has a spacious interior with a mix of leather and Alcantara, remaining simple and classic.
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: An aggressive, muscular look with an iconic front grille and sporty accents. Inside, the driver is met with a digital cockpit with sports seats and high-quality materials that combine comfort and performance.
- Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: Aggressive and sleek with a low roofline, numerous carbon fiber details, and deep-set LED headlights. The Camaro also offers a sporty interior, primarily designed for two people, with Alcantara and premium accents.
Model | Curb Weight | Length |
---|---|---|
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye | 2,030 kg | 5.02 m |
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | 1,916 kg | 4.83 m |
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 1,765 kg | 4.78 m |
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye presents itself as the largest and heaviest vehicle in this group, with a respectable length of 5.02 meters and a curb weight of 2,030 kg. These dimensions give it a dominant road presence but make it slightly less agile in tight turns. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is somewhat more compact and lighter. With a length of 4.83 meters and a weight of 1,916 kg, it remains bulky, but not as massive as the Challenger. This slightly lower mass and the powerful MagneRide suspension allow for more dynamic handling, which is particularly advantageous on winding tracks.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the most compact and lightest of the three models. With a length of 4.78 meters and a weight of 1,765 kg, it is significantly more agile and better suited for quick directional changes. These proportions emphasize the sporty character of the Camaro, making it particularly suitable for tight roads and track use. The dimensions and weight generally reflect each vehicle's character: the Challenger appears imposing and powerful, the Shelby GT500 combines strength with balanced size, while the Camaro is known for its compactness and agility.
Driving Dynamics and Performance Features
- Dodge Challenger: Four modes (Auto, Custom, Sport, Track) adjust the damping, throttle response, and steering. Especially in Track mode, the vehicle becomes aggressive and dynamic.
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: The GT500 also offers versatile driving modes, including Drag Strip and Track mode, which provide maximum acceleration and precision. Performance is ideally tuned for fast track conditions thanks to the new MagneRide damping.
- Chevrolet Camaro: With Tour, Sport, Track, and Snow/Ice modes, the Camaro adapts to various road conditions. The 1LE package provides specialized suspension and wider tires for maximum cornering performance.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye shines in this comparison with the fastest acceleration and highest top speed. With only 3.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a peak output of 327 km/h, the Challenger demonstrates its impressive power, making it the top choice for fans of high speeds and extreme thrust.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is only slightly slower, taking 3.5 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and reaching a respectable top speed of 306 km/h. It offers a solid combination of strong acceleration and impressive top speed, making it particularly attractive for long straight stretches.
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 also completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 290 km/h. This performance makes it the most powerful Mustang in this comparison, highlighting its position as a high-performance Mustang. The Shelby GT500 combines raw thrust with advanced handling that is impressive on both sharp corners and straightaways. The Challenger relies on brute force, the Camaro scores with good balance, and the Shelby GT500 combines pure power with precise driving behavior, making it just as impressive on winding roads as it is on straights.
Fuel Consumption and Environment
Model | City (L/100 km) | Highway (L/100 km) | Combined (L/100 km) | CO₂ Emissions (g/km) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye | 22.2 | 13.1 | 15.7 | 356 |
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | 18.1 | 12.0 | 14.7 | 347 |
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 16.8 | 11.7 | 14.7 | 338 |
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 ranks in the middle range of fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. With a combined consumption of 14.7 liters per 100 km and CO₂ emissions of 347 g/km, the Shelby GT500 offers a good balance between high performance and moderate fuel consumption in the muscle car segment. For buyers who value high performance while keeping fuel consumption in check, the Shelby GT500 is an attractive model.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is also in the middle, with a combined consumption of approximately 13.6 liters per 100 km and CO₂ emissions around 318 g/km. Thus, it is slightly more fuel-efficient and emits less CO₂ than the Shelby GT500. Nevertheless, it remains under the consumption and emissions of the Challenger, making it a solid choice for performance with reasonable consumption.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye has the highest consumption and CO₂ emissions. With a consumption of 15.7 liters per 100 km and emissions of 362 g CO₂/km, it belongs to the less efficient models. It appeals to fans who prioritize raw power and impressive acceleration, consciously accepting the higher consumption. The Shelby GT500 offers balanced efficiency, the Camaro provides an even more economical solution, while the Challenger uncompromisingly emphasizes performance, which is reflected in its fuel consumption.
Price and Availability
Model | Base Price (USD) | |
---|---|---|
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye | 73,000 | Check out our Dodge Challenger offers |
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | 79,420 | Check out our Ford Mustang offers |
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 75,395 | Check out our Chevrolet Camaro offers |
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Conclusion and Recommendation
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: For muscle car enthusiasts who value raw power and a bold design. Ideal for drag strips and wide, open roads.
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Excellent for drivers seeking extreme performance with a powerful V8 and precise handling – perfect for track and road.
- Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: Ideal for those who want a well-balanced muscle car with high performance and track capabilities.
In this article, we compare the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye with the Dodge Challenger Demon 170.