Hey all. I need to get a new car, but I am not quite ready to purchase yet, and I am still looking around, my college loans should be paid off in a couple months, when that is done, I will buy.

So I've been looking for a car, and the number 1 thing with me, is size. I am 6'7", and it is very hard to find a car that I fit in, let alone a sporty car. That is why I was so impressed with the charger. I sat in one a couple days ago, and I had SO MUCH ROOM! Plus it's look kills.

So, I am thinking about the R/T AWD (for the snow) with the AM/FM/CD/DVD dash display package, but I have a couple questions, since I don't really know that much about cars...

First, on the AWD chargers, is there a switch to turn the AWD on, or is it on all the time?

Second, reliability...I've heard some bad things about dodge, but in general, how well is the charger made? Good value for the money?

Thanks for all your help, I've only sat in one once, butI am really in love with this car, as it is the first big enough sports car I've ever seen. And please, throw in any other info that I should know. Thanks again!

 

As one ofseveral AWD Charger R/Towners on the forum here's my version of the straight dope.

The AWD is full time, no shutoff

The AWD charger is outstanding in it's capabilities in the snow (remember it's not a truck). The RWD guys will argue theirs handles snow just as well. I can tell you from the experiance of driving the police package RWD Charger and my AWD in three inches of fresh snow, the AWD is the way to go. I also had a brother officer follow me in the PP Charger for a little spirited driving in the snow (in an extra large unplowed parking lot @ 3:30 am, of course). He had a little trouble keeping up.

The RWD Chargers have tons of possibilites for customizing (wheel/tire combos, suspensions, headers) while the AWD is very limited. Also the suspension rides 2 to 3 inches taller than the RWD giving the wheel wells a slight truck like stance and more body roll in quick manuvers and curves.

While the engines are the same in both versions of the R/T,AWD is slightly slower in the 1/4 mile due to the xtra weight of the front transer case (which also may rob a little horse power). The AWD MIGHT have a better launch at the light cause its hard to spin all four tires. If I remember correctly it's 40% front wheel 60 % rear wheel.

I've had my R/T for a year and five months and have 24,500 on it no complaints, no problems. If I had the parking space I would have gotten the R/T with the R/T handling package and a old early to mid 80s' Jeep CJ for bad weather, but a combo of those two vehicles &my Harley would have left no parking for thewife so AWD it is. It all depends how much snow you get yearly and if you REALLY have to travel in it. If no other AWD rejects like me post answers, check over in the Magnum side of the forum. Mechanically they're the same vehicle. I think.

 

...oh yeahI forgot... buy the charger either way, but always plan extra time for when you stop.. it becomes question & answer period about your car with everybody.

 

Ahh thanks so much for the response. I have also been told that the Road and Track option is the way to go too, as the seats fit someone of my size better...but they do not offer it for AWD i do believe...what do you think?

 

I have a 2007 Dodge Daytona limited edition sub lime green, it has the R/T package and it is great with the high performance steering, brakes and suspension. Also has Electronic Stability control
works fine in the snow. It handles like a smaller sports car with all of the enhancements you don't get with a regular Charger R/T. Hope this helps you.


2007 Dodge Dharger Daytona Limited Edition Sublime Pearl Green

 

I'm 95% sure there is no R&T package for the AWD R/T. Like I said it all depends on where you live, what your average snow fall is and if you really have to drive in the snow. I'm sometimes on the road before the plows get out on the road @ 4 am and sometimes I'm in heavy rush hour stop & go traffic with snow.TheElectronic Stability works well, but it will kick in on the RWD before it will on the AWD. I speak from experience having tried both.The reason the PP Charger had trouble is when it reached it's traction limit the ESP kicked in slowing the car (see above).No matter what math you do,four wheels with power= more traction on snowy surface.

 

Just read this and thought I would throw in my two cents about non-AWD Chargers in snow!

I have an '07 R/T with Road & Track. I live in Calgary, AB Canada. We have renown Canadian weather all year long... being so close to the Rockies we get crazy high and low pressure streams all the time giving us everything including freak snow in the summer months. I am just getting through my first winter with the Charger and I must say, if you are at all worried about the snow all you need for the RWD Chargers are just some good winter tires. Negotiate your dealer for some. The ESC sure brings the RWD sports car a long way. Through the worst of winter my car with some top end Nokian tires was riding the snow and ice like it was summer pavement. Truelly unbelievable and a credit to Dodge with the car handling a Canadian winter.

I definitely would pass on the AWD and spend that money getting into an R/T with some winter tires!

 

You should buy one, I don't regret buying mine. Check out my ad in the classifieds, I'm selling it and getting the 08 Daytona. I love that color...Pearl Orange. If you can afford it, you should get it too, but if you're looking for someone to take the first year depreciation on a new car, you might consider mine.

https://dodgeforum.com/m_1244095/tm.htm