When it comes to American muscle cars, the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro have been competing head-to-head for decades. Now it’s 2023's turn to take a shot at which muscle car is superior this year: the 2023 Dodge Challenger vs. the 2023 Chevy Camaro. These two iconic vehicles represent the pinnacle of power, performance, and head-turning design. We will compare them, taking a closer look at their features, performance, and overall appeal depending on what you need from your next muscle car. If you’re looking for the best there is for your money, our guide shows you why the Challenger has the Camaro beat in a few key ways.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- More options for power with the Dodge Challenger since it has more powertrains to choose from.
- The maximum horsepower on the Challenger far surpasses the Camaro.
- Nearly identical fuel efficiency on either side.
- The Camaro has less seating than the Challenger and is slightly more cramped for backseat passengers.
THE SUPERIOR POWER OF THE CHALLENGER
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is built for speed and handling. Among its many engine options, it surpasses the Camaro in just about every way. The Camaro does offer some solid, mid-tier engines that the Challenger does seem to skip over. But overall if it's power you need – side with the Challenger. The Challenger offers much more of range in impressive engine options to choose from:
- 303-hp, 3.6-liter, 6 Cylinder Engine
- 375-hp, 5.7-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine
- 485-hp, 6.4-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine
- 717-hp, 6.2-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine
- 807-hp, 6.2-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine
The Camaro has only three engines but is much more evenly spaced out. Its lineup includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter V4, and a mid-tier 3.6-liter V6 with 274 and 455 horsepower respectively. The range-topping Camaro ZL1 features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing an impressive 650 horsepower.
FUEL ECONOMY
In either the Challenger or the Camaro, you’re most likely going to visit the gas pumps the same number of times. You’re going to get a range of 13-22 mpg in the city in the Camaro and 13-19 mpg in the city if you drive the Challenger, and 21-30 mpg in the Camaro on the highway and 21-30 mpg in the Challenger on the Highway.
INTERIOR FEATURES AND SECURITY
Inside the Dodge Challenger, you'll find a more driver-focused cockpit with a tech-inspired design, meant for making drivers feel comfortable whether on the road or the track. The Challenger’s interior is spacious, much more so than the Camaro, with a more comfortable seating arrangement. It features a Uconnect infotainment system that allows for all types of smartphone integration; the available Harman Kardon premium audio system is great for playing music through your Apple or Android.
The Chevrolet Camaro gives off a more sporty feel. The Camaro offers a standard 7-inch or an available 8-inch infotainment system, also with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Some optional features such as a head-up display, wireless charging, and a premium Bose audio system are like what the Challenger offers.
The Challenger has adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning for standard safety features. Likewise, the Chevrolet Camaro comes equipped with safety features such as a rearview camera, rear parking assists, and rear cross-traffic alert. They both offer other available advanced safety technologies that range anything between forward collision alerts and lane-changing alerts to blind-zone alerts and rear park assists. What the Challenger has in the advantage of safety is its high-strength steel safety frame that is enhanced crash protection.
THE WINNER: 2023 CHALLENGER
The Challenger is our pick for the superior muscle car. As soon as you drive this car off the lot, whether from this spectacular design or the sound of its roaring engine- you’re going to turn heads. The Challenger provides features fit for a casual driver, all the way to a seasoned racer. That paired with its better powertrain lineup makes the Challenger the standard car anyone would think of when they think of American muscle. Visit us today to take a test drive in the 2023 Dodge Challenger.