Charger Hands Out Beatings, Challenger Struggles with Grip
Charger beats a ZL1 and GT500 while the Challenger barely gets into the 11s.
The Dodge Challenger and Charger in their SRT Hellcat trim are among the two toughest factory drag cars in the world. With simple modifications, both of these Mopar machines can run in the 10-second range while fully-stock models are easily capable of running in the low 11s. This week’s Track Time Tuesday video shows how well these two supercharged beasts get down the track, but the clip from the Wheels YouTube channel reminds us that the ability to launch makes all the difference.
Charger Handles Business
The video begins with a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat taking on a modern Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Mission Raceway. We don’t have a mod list for either car, but the Camaro looks stock while the Charger has mismatched rear wheels. That leads us to believe that the Dodge has a set of drag radial tires, but we don’t know for sure. We do know that plenty of Hellcat Chargers and Challengers have run in the mid-10s with just tires, but based on the trap speed, this car might have a few extra ponies under the hood.
After smoky burnouts, both cars stage and when the green lights drop, the Charger ends the race. The big Dodge jumps out early and just keeps on pulling through the top end, running a 10.61 at 134.34 miles per hour. The Camaro runs an 11.74 at 119.77.
Next, the Charger takes on a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. They are racing in the dark so it is hard to make out the details, so we can’t tell the model year of the Mustang based on the appearance. We cannot tell if it is a 550- or 662-horsepower model, but in either case, it doesn’t have enough for the Hellcat Charger. On green, the Mustang hops out to an early lead, but as the Ford driver labors to get through the gears, the Dodge quickly catches, passes and cruise to victory. Unfortunately, the board is too bright for the camera, but the Hellcat appears to run an 11.67 to something in the 12s for the Ford.
Challenger Struggles
Finally, we have a 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat taking on a Camaro ZL1. The Challenger appears to have the factory 20-inch wheels in the rear and we cannot tell if this is a Redeye or a standard Hellcat, but the apparent lack of drag radial tires makes a big difference. The Challenger does appear to be lowered and it does a burnout, but it isn’t a very good one.
When the green lights drop, both cars are slow out of the hole, and the Challenger trails the Camaro early. As they head down track, the Chevy holds off the Dodge, running an 11.87 to the Hellcat’s 11.95.
Crank up your speakers and enjoy!
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