New Challengers - test drives

[64dartgt]

So I am debating whether to spend a boatload more time and money on my 73 or to punt and buy a new Challenger and put the effort into my 64 Dart convertible instead.  I had rented a 6 cylinder SXT in the past but needed data on the V8's so I went test driving yesterday.  I drove a limelight 5.7 RT with an 8 speed automatic and paddle shifters.  I must say that, while it handled great and was plenty fast enough I ultimately felt it was too well mannered and a bit of a snoozefest.  I asked to drive a stick and they didn't have a 5.7L, so I took out a white 2015 Scat Pack with a 6.4L. 

Just wow!!!    It was everything I was looking for and more.  Just a bumpy cam sounding masterpiece of a car that absolutely kicks ass.  It was literally the most fun I have had with my pants on in years.  The six speed shifter has a really short throw and banging shifts can send your passengers to the chiropractor at will.  The new interior is a big improvement over the old.  The car handles amazingly.  I took a left onto an on ramp, banged it into second chirping the inside tire even with traction control on, slammed it into third and hit the curve of the cloverleaf glued on the road at over 60mph with the engine pulling like a mad beast.  I had a smile a mile wide and the hair on my balls was standing on end, I swear!

I may have to have one...even though starting is really about $42K.  I am looking into used SRT8's with the 392 to see if they provide the same experience, but I haven't bought a new car since 1989 and at least leasing a new one is tempting.  I don't want to go into my grave with my only new car being an 1989 Dodge Spirit ES Turbo!

[myk]

It's really unfair to compare both generations of cars, or put them in a one-or-the-other scenario.  Each vehicle offers a level of satisfaction and enjoyment that the other cannot.  It really boils down to what you want to do and what is more important to you.  I have an aging fleet of cars, and seeing everyone here and in my own life drive brand new cars and not something running 6 digits in the 'odo is leading me to think that a new car is in order.  However, I've decided that the Charger is my #1 priority, so the new car will have to wait, if I even get around to buying one...

[Ponch ®]

Like myk said, its unfair to compare. The new Challenger will win when it comes to driveability, comfort, reliability, performance, convenience, and so forth....ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. Hell, my mom's 10 year old Camry will do that.

You know what it doesn't have? The gravitas of a classic car. There's just nothing special about a car that anyone can walk into a dealership and buy. I love my '10 Challenger, but its nowhere near as satisfying to take out for a cruise as my 69 Satellite. If it came down to keeping one over the other, it wouldn't even be a question which one would stay.

Now, if you're looking at it from a practical perspective (ie. you NEED a car to get around) thats one thing, but if you're looking at toy vs. toy, then you have some thinking to do.

[64dartgt]

Keep in mind that we have three classic cars now...so I am not talking about going entirely over to the dark side.  i would just channel money/effort into redoing my currently neglected 64 Dodge Dart GT, which was bought new by my Great Uncle, instead.  My Wife's 1990 XJS convertible got a big investment last year.   Happy Wife = quiet Wife 

[RIDELIKEHELL]

So I am debating whether to spend a boatload more time and money on my 73 or to punt and buy a new Challenger and put the effort into my 64 Dart convertible instead.  I had rented a 6 cylinder SXT in the past but needed data on the V8's so I went test driving yesterday.  I drove a limelight 5.7 RT with an 8 speed automatic and paddle shifters.  I must say that, while it handled great and was plenty fast enough I ultimately felt it was too well mannered and a bit of a snoozefest.  I asked to drive a stick and they didn't have a 5.7L, so I took out a white 2015 Scat Pack with a 6.4L. 

Just wow!!!    It was everything I was looking for and more.  Just a bumpy cam sounding masterpiece of a car that absolutely kicks ass.  It was literally the most fun I have had with my pants on in years.  The six speed shifter has a really short throw and banging shifts can send your passengers to the chiropractor at will.  The new interior is a big improvement over the old.  The car handles amazingly.  I took a left onto an on ramp, banged it into second chirping the inside tire even with traction control on, slammed it into third and hit the curve of the cloverleaf glued on the road at over 60mph with the engine pulling like a mad beast.  I had a smile a mile wide and the hair on my balls was standing on end, I swear!

I may have to have one...even though starting is really about $42K.  I am looking into used SRT8's with the 392 to see if they provide the same experience, but I haven't bought a new car since 1989 and at least leasing a new one is tempting.  I don't want to go into my grave with my only new car being an 1989 Dodge Spirit ES Turbo!

Mike Musto or MRANGRY gave it a fantanstic review...I would love a 392!

[64dartgt]

Just getting tired of the fact that I don't have the time or expertise to do the work myself and that my mechanic and the vendors have f*cked my car up beyond belief.  The rebuilt engine may or may not have a bad bearing in less than 500 miles.  I only have 500 miles on it because the drivetrain vibrates so bad above 65mph the car is literally undriveable on the highway.  Been back to shop that rebuilt the rearend who balanced the driveshaft...which did nothing.  Been back to the engine machinist/builder who says the engine is fine but he doesn't know what the "bearing" sound is.  Latest is that the car died with classic symptoms of a ballast resistor.  Had it towed to my mechanic and told him to put a new Petronix coil and Ignitor 2 in it.  He called my up, told me it wasn't the ballast resistor and that he "re-energized" the alternator and it started fine. He said that I already had electronic ignition (no shit Sherlock) and didn't put in the Petronix.  He is fired.  He has tried (or not) multiple times to diagnose the vibration problem.  Loose u-joint saddles.  Nope.  Bad tire.  Nope.  U-joint saddles are old and stretching.  Bought new HD saddles.  Nope.  Told him it might be an issue with the fact that we put an internally balanced 340 in place of an externally balanced 318.  Told me there were no problems.   

[RIDELIKEHELL]

I understand. ..I really do but get lynched if I mention selling 

[Lord Warlock]

Get whatever car floats your boat, be it a 5.7 or a 392.  The 5.7 is actually a very nice motor in a challenger, but it doesn't stand out much at that power level, get a 392 if you want more power.  If I was buying all over, I'd get a 392, but I'm very happy with the performance of the 5.7 for daily driving duties.  The difference in cost just for the 392 isn't worth it to me, but that's probably because I have the classic charger already, and have another 90s car that is quicker and faster than the 5.7 or the 392 is. 99.99% of the time the 5.7s power is just fine for me, every blue moon I may wish for more power.  There is always the option of supercharging the 5.7, then it will have more hp than a 392 puts out and it would be cheaper to do that than to buy the 392 new...my challenger is a 2010 RT Classic.  There was no 392 available at the time. 

[stripedelete]

No brainier.  Ditch the Charger.  Restore the Dart. Buy a Gently used Challenger.   

The Charger will be a PIA resto and will never be remotely worth what you'll have in it.  Dart convertible will be a pile of fun.  A new Challenger will be used very quickly.  Buy it used and go to the grave with a boat load more money( or a couple more toys).

[tcs69rt]

64dartGT = Drive a 5.7L 6 speed Challenger too. I found one that was 2 yrs old and only had 1800 miles on it for well under 29K. I looked at a new 2015 Shaker Challenger and it was 43K = ouch! I remember seeing the new 2011 SRT8 on the same showroom floor for 43K.  My 5.7L runs well and I'm not a "what mileage do you get" type of guy but at 80MPH in 6th gear I get 26 MPG on road trips, I'm happy with mine being used and paying alot less than new prices. In the end...you only live once, do what makes YOU happy. Good Luck! TC

[64dartgt]

There is slightly used black pearl 6 speed 2015 Scat Pack nearby for just under $40K.   

I do want to drive an older 6 speed 5.7 and would like to try a 6.1 SRT8 too.  Seems like they tightened up the chassis a bit in 2011 so 2011+ might be the best bid.

[tcs69rt]

Also look at the 2009 Challengers if you can find one with low mileage because Dodge did a lifetime drivetrain warranty on them, which I am sure they now regret. Somebody correct me if I am wrong, thanks! 

[ACUDANUT]

Also look at the 2009 Challengers if you can find one with low mileage because Dodge did a lifetime drivetrain warranty on them, which I am sure they now regret. Somebody correct me if I am wrong, thanks!  

Be careful there. If you don't follow and document every oil change ect, they won't honor any owner warranty.

[64dartgt]

I am sure they do regret it with all the wiped out tensioners!

[Mytur Binsdirti]

So I am debating whether to spend a boatload more time and money on my 73 or to punt and buy a new Challenger and put the effort into my 64 Dart convertible instead. 

Sell them both and get a new 392.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

I'm tempted to get a 392 myself

[SRT-440]

I have 2012 392 challenger and u won't be disappointed. Thinking about trading mine in for a slightly used 2015 srt8 challenger...Mines only got 22,000 Miles but I'm in love with sublime green.

[tcs69rt]

Are you guys happy with the new grille and tail lights on the Challenger? Different dash too. I also noticed a change in the hood scoops as well as the long RT side stripes, not sure if the stripes look better now, very modern. 

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Are you guys happy with the new grille and tail lights on the Challenger? Different dash too. I also noticed a change in the hood scoops as well as the long RT side stripes, not sure if the stripes look better now, very modern. 

Personally, I think the 71 inspired grille looks good (Hellcat gets its own grille), but I do like the previous 70 style taillights better. The interior got a makeover which I think is very pleasing to the eye. Don't know about the functionality yet. Yes, the side stripes are different and I like the previous ones better.

[64dartgt]

I always liked the 71 tail lights better than the 70 but the 70 grill better.  Same for the 2015 versus the slightly older ones.

I really like the interior update.  The curved console is reminiscent of the slapstick console in my 73.

The Scat Pack is the sweet spot in the line up for me.  It has the 392 and adjustable suspension, but only two settings instead of the three on the SRT.

I test drove a lime green RT with an automatic.  I was surprised to see that the lime is actually slightly metallic.

The "bumblebee" stripe  on the Scat is pretty lame.  There is a company making extensions to bring it all the way down to the bottom, which would make it look better, but it still looks odd being at an angle like that. 

Getting a bunch of Scat Pack bees all over the place is totally cool too.

Bob

[Troy]

I always liked the 71 tail lights better than the 70 but the 70 grill better.  Same for the 2015 versus the slightly older ones.

I really like the interior update.  The curved console is reminiscent of the slapstick console in my 73.

The Scat Pack is the sweet spot in the line up for me.  It has the 392 and adjustable suspension, but only two settings instead of the three on the SRT.

I test drove a lime green RT with an automatic.  I was surprised to see that the lime is actually slightly metallic.

The "bumblebee" stripe  on the Scat is pretty lame.  There is a company making extensions to bring it all the way down to the bottom, which would make it look better, but it still looks odd being at an angle like that. 

Getting a bunch of Scat Pack bees all over the place is totally cool too.

Bob

The Scat Pack does NOT have the SRT's adjustable suspension. That's a big reason for the price variance. It is slightly lower than an R/T and has Bilstein shocks to make it more aggressive - but it's non-adjustable. It does have the engine/transmission/steering adjustments as you said ("normal" and "sport" only - no "track"). The other "missing" SRT items are the 15.6" 6 piston Brembo brakes (Scat Pack gets the 14.2" 4 piston Brembos found on previous SRT cars), 275 wide tires on 20" x 9.5" wheels (Scat Pack gets 245s on 20"x9" wheels), and HID headlights. You do get the active exhaust and performance pages app (which is where the aforementioned settings exist).

And yes, the lime is metallic! I had a Lime Green SRT Challenger 6-speed on my short list of available cars in case my Charger Scat Pack search fell through.

Troy

[Lord Warlock]

I think the green with envy challengers with a 392 would be about the only ones worthy of trading or selling my 2010 classic RT.  Or a hellcat in sublime green and black.