Comparing the New Charger to its 2 Door Predecessor, the Challenger

Old vs. New

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona will kick off an entirely different era in Mopar muscle history. Having reigned with V8-powered fury for nearly 2 decades, the now iconic Challenger and Charger models pass the torch to a new breed of American muscle. So let's see how the new offering compares to the outgoing 2-door fire-breather. 

Dimensions

The Charger Daytona stands as a behemoth among muscle cars, boasting dimensions that outshine its predecessor, the Challenger. With an additional 8.9 inches in length, the Charger Daytona will be among the longest cars on the road, standing even longer than some SUVs! Moreover, the Charger Daytona's width and height also surpass those of the Challenger, further emphasizing its imposing stature.

The weight category is where we see the largest discrepancy. The Charger Daytona EV reportedly weighing in at a whopping 5,838 lbs, putting it in the same weight class as some of the heaviest passenger cars on the road, and almost 2,000 lbs heavier than the Challenger!

Power

One of the most significant distinctions between the Challenger and Charger Daytona lies in their powertrain offerings. While the Challenger has long been associated with powerful V8 engines, the Charger Daytona introduces Stellantis' new STLA Large architecture and marks Dodge's foray into the realm of fully electric vehicles. Additionally, the Charger Daytona will be available with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder Hurricane engine, catering to enthusiasts who crave the exhilarating performance of an internal combustion engine.

Design Inspiration and Heritage

While both the Challenger and the Charger Daytona draw inspiration from classic predecessors, they each embody distinct eras in muscle car history. The Charger Daytona pays homage to the sleek and iconic second-gen Charger, embracing a modern interpretation of its legendary lineage. In contrast, the Challenger channels the aggressive spirit of its 1970s namesake, exuding a robust and muscular aura that resonates with enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless design cues.

Front Styling

The Charger Daytona adopts a minimalist approach to its front-end design, with discreet lighting units and slim full-width LEDs accentuating its elongated grille. This design choice reflects a fusion of classic aesthetics with contemporary sophistication, allowing the Charger Daytona to stand out on the road with its understated yet commanding presence. Meanwhile, the Challenger retains its retro charm with quad round headlights, evoking nostalgia for muscle car enthusiasts while incorporating modern touches to enhance its overall appeal.

Rear Styling

In the rear view, the Challenger's timeless design shines with its clearly defined rear volume, exuding classic muscle car aesthetics that harken back to a bygone era. While the Charger Daytona boasts futuristic full-width LED taillights, it compensates for the lack of traditional tailpipes with a busier rear bumper design. Despite this, critics note that the Charger Daytona's rear glass lacks the sculpted elegance of the Challenger, missing an opportunity to fully capture the essence of classic muscle cars.

Side Profile

Each model's profile reflects its distinct personality and style. The Challenger maintains its timeless appeal with a signature character line that elegantly divides the vehicle. In contrast, the Charger showcases sweeping lines above the fenders, creating a dynamic and visually striking 3D effect that sets it apart on the road.

Interior Space

Inside, the Charger Daytona offers a more spacious cabin compared to the Challenger, thanks in part to its larger dimensions. This translates to increased comfort for both front and rear passengers, making the Charger Daytona an ideal choice for long drives or spirited outings. Furthermore, both models prioritize driver-centric layouts, with the Charger Daytona elevating the experience with a modernized cockpit design featuring a dual-screen layout and advanced technology features.