In a fresh head-to-head for two longtime muscle-car nameplates, Edmunds provided a lineup comparison of the Ford Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse against the Dodge Charger R/T and Charger Scat Pack, describing how each model approaches the modern muscle-car formula. The review, shared with The Associated Press, frames the matchup as more than branding—Edmunds contrasts where each car lands on track-oriented reflexes, everyday livability, technology, and pricing.
On the performance side, Edmunds describes the two-door Dodge Charger as the de facto replacement for the recently retired Challenger, adding that the Charger is longer, wider and heavier than the coupe it replaces. Edmunds attributes part of that added mass to the Charger’s all-wheel-drive system, which the review says comes standard on current Charger models and is intended to improve all-weather capability and off-the-line acceleration.
Both the Charger R/T and Charger Scat Pack, Edmunds says, come with a new turbocharged inline six-cylinder. The R/T is described as making 420 horsepower, while the Scat Pack is described as producing 550 horsepower. Edmunds says that horsepower translates into a Charger Scat Pack 0-to-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds from a standstill, which it describes as quicker by several tenths than the Mustang GT (480 horsepower) and Mustang Dark Horse (500 horsepower) models Edmunds tested.
Despite that acceleration, Edmunds says the Charger underwhelmed in braking performance and steering feel. The review says the Charger has lengthy braking distances and that light steering with minimal feedback makes it difficult to pinpoint the tires’ limit of grip in corners. By contrast, Edmunds describes the modern Mustang’s evolution toward sports-car territory, saying the Dark Horse is tuned for road courses rather than drag strips, and the GT and Dark Horse deliver what the review characterizes as nimble handling, responsive straight-line performance, and massive stopping power.
For the review’s performance verdict, Edmunds names the Mustang as the winner. On Edmunds’ comfort-and-convenience scorecard, however, the review’s outcome shifts to the Charger, citing ride and cabin practicality. Edmunds says that without adaptive suspension options, the six-cylinder Charger models make do with what it calls a solid balance between ride quality and body control, and it points to a smoothly shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, a throttle pedal it describes as nicely calibrated, and a hatchback-style rear liftgate aimed at making bulky cargo easier to load and unload.
Edmunds also highlights the Charger’s technology setup as a key strength, describing USB ports across the cabin, a wireless charging pad in front, and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with graphics and response it calls sharp, along with a robust feature set. The review also notes Dodge’s retention of physical controls for frequently used climate functions, while it contrasts that with how the Mustang’s cabin comfort depends on how the car is optioned—particularly whether it includes adaptive suspensions.
For value and features, Edmunds provides a pricing comparison across the different trim levels. It says the Mustang GT starts at $48,645 including destination, placing it a few thousand dollars cheaper than the base 420-horsepower Charger R/T at $51,990. Edmunds also says stepping up to the Dark Horse requires a “substantial” outlay, describing its starting price as $66,075, and it says options can push the total price above $70,000.
Edmunds characterizes the Charger Scat Pack as the value pick for buyers primarily concerned with straight-line performance and creature comforts, saying it starts at $56,990. It adds that optioning can raise the Scat Pack’s price quickly into similar territory as the higher-priced Mustang trims. On its overall balance, Edmunds declares a tie on features and value.
The review closes with Edmunds’ assessment that Dodge’s reimagined Charger offers turbocharged hustle, a spacious interior and a level of modernity the predecessor lacked, but that it falls short of the Mustang GT and Dark Horse in multiple performance categories. Edmunds also says its six-cylinder powerplant cannot match what it describes as the extroverted charisma of the Mustang’s V8, concluding that in the comparison the Mustang is the clear winner.