2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt | Track Tested | Edmunds.com

The rebirth of the American muscle car is about a lot more than retro. It's about pride. It's about recalling a time when Americans looked down the road to the future with confidence, and they wanted a great big V8 engine to get them there as soon as possible.
It's no wonder the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt has our respect. It's the best version yet of the 2005 Ford Mustang, the car that set Detroit on fire again with enthusiasm for good old American muscle. Maybe the fuel-guzzling muscle car won't save Detroit from the challenge to build cars that people need, but it's surely restored the domestic car industry's confidence in its ability to do so. And it's shown that Americans can build cars that are utterly unlike anything you'll find in Stuttgart, Shanghai, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur or any of those other places that economists think they're so clever to know about.
Now that the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is here, Chrysler is cracking the seal on its own Mopar-branded can of muscle-car whoop-ass to show that it understands what's at stake in the muscle-car sweepstakes. The Bullitt and the Challenger are the two coolest cars in America, and it's only natural to bring them together.
EDMUNDS VIDEO
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[@TerryA_Gudde]

I just bought an 08 srt8 and I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed...

[@ROARINGAJR1996]

how about now

[@Illbebacc]

Yeah i love any kind of challenger.

[@trapr1993]

@@Illbebacc i prefer the 2010 but yeah the 11 and 15 bodies are ok. The 2010 looks the most powerful. 2011 looks the weakest and 15 isnt bad definitely better than 2011

[@TJJasso]

i really like both of them. i own a 2001 Bullitt and its a great car! wish i could afford to have a Challenger and new bullitt all at the same time!

[@teambronski]

I drove the Charger this weekend with the 5.7 and it was way powerful. I mean sideways around corners powerful and i was in the automatic. (the trip tonic thing sucks) I think it will be worth the wait for the 6 speed. I was honestly shocked at how powerful the 5.7 was.

[@drewdlecam]

@SuperWhoopass I agree completely! Though, you'll be happy to hear that the Challenger is available with a 6-speed manual.

[@trapr1993]

And a touch screen

[@stacks3892]

why do people compare the SRT8 (top of the line) vs a mustang GT? The RT version is the in the same rank as the GT, the SRT8 is in the same rank as the GT500, thats like me comparing my GT mustang to a v6 camaro...

[@zelmarhernandez2681]

Yeah, they should have compared the bullitt vs r/t challenger

[@voodoodiecast]

+jose vega at that time, dodge released the top of the line first(SRT8) and then the r/t and v6.

[@azindependentsrt5721]

That's right vega these chumps don't know much about anything and is an insult to the far superior street racing technology division of Mopar (SRT)

[@captainboose8788]

They made this video before the RT was even out....

[@blackeye3336]

Absolutely true this inside the line whatever magazine has zero clue how compare cars GT500 vs DRT8 is the right comparison and the GT500 smoked it

[@dg11306]

Yea I love the looks of the Challenger - it really stands out on the highway. I saw a black on black one recently. Still, woulda been nice if they could have built its own platform (best I remember, the Challenger/Barracuda platform was an "E-body" and pretty much exclusive to those cars).

[@zelmarhernandez2681]

Besides the srt8 barely beat the Mustang, and it's go over 100hp than the Mustang, this is definitely a mustang victory.

[@azindependentsrt5721]

Learn to write English and no the GT did not win idiot

[@dg11306]

I love both of these cars. The only beef I have with the Challenger is the beef - it's huge. Seems like the extra mass doesn't hurt it much, but if you look at a side by side with the Challenger of the early 70's, the older car actually looks smaller.

[@azindependentsrt5721]

No car says muscle car like Mopar that's for damn sure

[@S.C1970]

That didn’t age so well lol.

[@Infectiousdzz]

they are both amazing!

[@kanokponkruasan3249]

Challenger forever

[@redpilllife4life198]

When I put bigger tires and a custom tune and full exhaust the srt8 is a MONSTER! Even for today's standards.

[@daveschwartz1186]

Mopar Baby. No car like the Mopar!

[@azindependentsrt5721]

That's right there is no muscle car like a Mopar #1. >direct connection< baby

[@Flooned]

YAY I SAW THE CHALLENGER ON THE HIGHWAY TODAY! WOOT! THEY ARE SO BADASS! i love these cars

[@cxtyonphone5820]

Go mopar

[@dumbf7y]

"in this is were everything for the mustang goes horrible worng" lmmfao priceless

[@Notis59]

I dont think one can really know which car is better when there are different drivers for each one of them. The drivers play the most significant role

[@psychoclown420]

Agreed, i recently made a 1500 mile round trip and saw 3 challengers, about 10 camaros, and at least 100 mustangs.

[@kickballjedi]

Really? $5k more for 0.5 seconds and +4.5mph in the 1/4 mile, 0.1 mph better in the slalom, no manual transmission, and more switches on the steering wheel? Wow that extra $5k and +110hp really blew away the Mustang. Give the Mustang a $500.00 tune oh hell, give it a $1,000 tune and it will beat those Challenger numbers.

[@wyldfantasies]

Awesome comparison video!

[@Syfer13]

Yeah thats what he said. I couldn't find the post earlier. Ok heres the deal omcx1. Turbos have lag, because they are driven by exhaust and it takes time for the exhaust to spool up the turbo. A number of things have to happen between you hitting the accelerator and that chain reaction producing enough exhaust to do anything for the turbo to work. I agree with you there.

[@fenixwylde]

I like em both, but have always had a love for mustangs :)

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Two years later......the Camaro ZL1 shows up, The Shelby GT500 goes to 650+ horsepower and the SRT8 392 becomes an afterthought.

[@teambronski]

Maybe I am just a damn hippie or something but I think it's great that America has two of the most exciting cars available. I have a Challenger and I have had nothing but thumbs up and kind comments from Mustang drivers. In fact, the Mustang got me into cars in the first place! (saw a late 50's one when I was 9 and that was it)

[@Illbebacc]

That's what I like about the challenger it's BIG and has a lot of power and looks so good.

[@hool10]

You do know the Challenger is made in Brampton, Canada. Second generation was in Japan. And yeah, it had a Hemi too. A big four banger.

[@skylineevo2001]

0:53 good intro for a bullitt chase movie

[@13612]

I am totally Mopar and that is what I drive, but with the 5K difference in price, you can easily put the SRT 8 in its place with some motor work/mods. SRT 8 though can't be beat for looks, the Challenger is just nothing but BADASS hands down, no matter what motor is in it!

[@kickin77]

my 05 GT gets 24 mpg @ 105 mph. we held that speed for 3 hrs going to phoenix this past thanksgiving.

[@Jamzil]

got a big point there. Theyre also backing up the challenger's handling for the tires. Remember though, they are talking about Bone Stock Cars, just like any other type of show. Top Gear is the same way. They will give you comparison to cars that they "Just bought and started a test drive as they drove away from the dealership" But your right, 5400 can definitely give you a nice Supercharger and a good tune and still have your warranty.

[@TehShadowDeath]

Already been tested, the Shelby KOTR mustang did beat the Hennessee Challenger but only by a few seconds.. The driver said if the Challenger came with a manual and not the Automatic that it did it probably would have fared better. Then again the regular SRT-8 Challenger does come with a Manual.

[@type40imperator]

It's true that the 2008 Challenger was automatic only. It wasn't until the 2009 models that they offered the R/T and SRT8 in a 5 or 6 speed manual. The SE is now the only one that's automatic only.

[@adrenalineboyzryan]

The state troopers here use the Hemi Challenger for the highway patrol cars. It is crazy fast! I saw it run down a 600cc bike flying down the highway with ease.

[@cobrastang777]

I like both cars but Challenger is $5400 more. For that amount you could easily equal or surpass the power in the lighter Bullitt with mods. Go Stang!

[@goatman455]

What are they doing? Displacement and Compression. Hemispherical Combustion chambers resist detonation and are generally very efficient.

[@Syfer13]

However, as said previously, the superchargers that are belt driven or even gear driven do not have a lag. as soon as the motor revs up, they are producing power. In fact since the power is produced and introduced to the motor the entire time it is on, inclucding while it is at idle rpm, a supercharger is actually ANTI lag in that it reduces response time between pushing the accelerator and the engines response. Good Day sir.

[@jjx180]

That Challenger is sincerely going to be my next vehicle!!!!!!

[@south9563]

i had no idea they made a bullit after the prior body style!

[@antionwindow]

i don't understand why alot of people keep complaining about the weight of the Challenger, as long as you have the extra HP to push that heavy car down the road what different does it makes!

[@gr3en21]

A hemisphere shaped chamber or pentroof design is able to burn the air/fuel much more efficiently, and with dual spark plugs you have a much better chance of buring all the fuel in the chamber, which equals better MPG and performance.

[@Syfer13]

I have a 4.6 which translates to a 281 small block. Its putting out 320+hp and its naturally aspirated as well. I don't need a power adder, I just want one.

[@390fe390]

The Mustang (4.6L and 5.4L) on the other hand does use hemispherical valves yet it is not called a Hemi.

[@skylineevo2001]

i like that scene at 0:55. That would be a cool chase into for a movie

[@RipTwist1985]

fear not that was only for the first run of challengers. as all of the first run was badged srt-8. definatley can get them now.

[@Syfer13]

Nos has more lag than a supercharger does. Nos you have to arm and push the button wich has at least a millisecond delay. Superchargers boost is already there before you need or want it. Its a constant factor in a supercharged engine. I agree about the displacement and if I ever find a bigger engine that I can afford and will outperform mine I would definitely get it and transplant.

[@lordbutz]

i like how they said USEFUL back seats

[@AJahtp]

yeah it was. some of the fairlanes and galaxy's came with them. but then they also had the race one which you could buy over the counter, just like the hemi's there were ones they used in the street cars and ones they used in nascar

[@infringementMAN]

@24okay I do believe it's the weight that's slowing them down. Lightness > brute power.

[@peteyjamesg]

@SuperWhoopass This was in 2008. The 2009 and 2010 had a 6 spd manual as an option, and it is standard on the 2011 with the auto as an option.

[@UltrasabersVideos]

Bullit MSRP - $31,625 SRT8 MSRP - $40,095 These prices come right off the Ford and Dodge websites. That is a difference of $8,470 Why the hell are these two vehicle being compared?? The GT500 Mustang is 42,685, that's only $2,589 - very close in MSRP The Cobra GT500 should be the vehicle being compared, not the budget bullit.

[@charlesgrady2178]

WOW!!!! Cars are so cool i need to GET ONE SO BADLY!!!!!!!

[@drfaticus]

its true,their car barely beats a 315hp car and they are happy!!thats insane!!!the car is a big ass boat.

[@ElroyMcDuff]

And a solid rear axle. I half expect to find leaf springs in the suspension. =P

[@AUSly09]

You may say that, and I say that, but the whole public in the USA may disagree. There have been definite declines in muscle/sports car buys since gas went up. A company cannot COMPLETELY ignore that and put out a car with 14mpg. Good thing is, the price is up there enough (same with the camaro ss) that the ppl buying them can afford the gas to drive them, but once all those guys buy them, all that is left is the general public. Many won't last past that.

[@1Sthabi]

I own a 330i cope convert...but if we had a mustang or even a challenger here in South Africa, I think I would have gone for onw of them. They look more mascular and intimidating

[@wooite]

i'm a new dodge owner and i love the new designs. got myself an avenger 2008 R/T do to lack of money for anything higher, but the challenger will be next on the list....in about 10 years. haha.

[@brandongill4542]

Did you get it?

[@gr3en21]

Actually, a true HEMI is a hemisphere shaped chamber, or half a circle. The newer HEMI chambers feature 2 spark plugs per cylinder, and the combustion chamber is a pentroof design, which the triangle shaped chamber mention isn't far off from being correct.

[@dsm2xtreme]

2008's which is what they tested all came with the SRT8 package and 6speed autos. No manual option first year, and no less of a motor. They only made 6500, and all in orange.

[@SpyroTDragon]

It sucks that this newer Challenger do not got a manual trans compared to the classic one in the "Bullitt" flick.

[@Syfer13]

And does the Roots or Twin Screw type supercharger create vacuum, since thats what we were talking about? No one was talking about centrifugal (by the way we should all know the centrifugal supercharger is little more than a glorified type of turbo charger.)

[@VinceGalasso]

i was responding to droppinadeuce11 who was saying that the 2L turbo evo x has a faster 0-60. the evo is awd.

[@iandude454]

@austinbbmopar here is the link and the sentence. All (7119) 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission.

[@GeneralCuster14]

My father used to have a 77 Cobra II Mustang, and he even admitted, no matter how many upgrades you slapped in your car, you always respected Challenger's. They were LETHAL. YellowBe2003-> I'd like to see a Skyline TRY to keep up with a Challenger. Mopar or no Car :).

[@FastPonyGT]

The moral of the story is that you "usually" get what you pay for. $5400 gets me quite a few performance upgrades on the Pony.

[@prsplayer16]

the six speed has been out in the challenger for a while. i've driven 4 of them at the dealership i work at

[@goatman455]

BTW, I have heard the manuals are not running as well, may be a gear ratio thing. This could be isolated too, we will have to wait until enough people to run them for us to see for real.

[@Valefor242]

Roots-type pumps The low pulsation rate and gentle performance of this Roots-type positive displacement pump is achieved due to a combination of its two 90° helical twisted rotors, and a triangular shaped sealing line configuration, both at the point of suction and at the point of discharge. This design produces a continuous and non-vorticuless flow with equal volume. High capacity industrial "air compressors" have been designed to employ this principle as well as most "superchargers"

[@JustAGuy85]

I see a company that has produced reliable vehicles since day one, a company that didn't take our tax money/didn't need a bail out... a company I will continue to business with.

[@skylineevo2001]

somebody should do a short Bullitt and Vanishing Point spoof!!

[@futureBLESS]

the challenger does have a manual transmission, it uses the getrag from the viper

[@Valefor242]

There is no lag with a "roots" style blower.

[@magicalpoop]

Interesting, I've read about that on ZR1 runs on the Nurumburg. I'll have to see myself in the end when I come out of school and buy a car. I was doubtful upon hearing mixed performance from the ZR1. But from videos and reviews, it would seem the ZR1 lacks what newer cars have in terms of technology. Guess I'll just test drive both in RL and in GT5 haha, then decide. Were you able to purchase the GT-R at close to MSRP?

[@Extra_Ordinary_Gary]

@derby0001 the 6 speed came out a year after the challenger was introduced. so during the test, there were no 6 speeds

[@vcguitar185]

exactly. that's the attitude everyone needs to have. its Ford, Dodge, and Chevy against the ricers.

[@ModularCal]

I think the R/T would be a closer match up the the GT/Bullitt. Both have 3 levels; a V6, GT (or RT), and the premium (Cobra or SRT8). Either way, I'd take either in a heartbeat.

[@yomonstruo]

these two cars are very cool.i think these two versions are the best "new muscles"you can buy nowadays.if i could afford any of them id first buy a bullit rather than a gt500,i find it better looking and theres more price difference that performance difference

[@Huels]

I've heard the rumor that the Dodge Rams transmission will start to go bad around 70,000 miles. I had a boss and her 1500 went out at 72,000 miles. What is your take on this?

[@M3MPH1SM0J0]

u can get it in the srt8 on the 2009 model, but htey only offered the srt8 model in 2008 (its first year) with an automatic

[@samueldlt]

Negative, the SRT8 weighs 4100 lbs for many reasons: one being a ton of safety features. Five star safety rating in all categories. Check out the Dodge site if you really are interested: side beams, crumple zones, outer shell, front, side, AND rear air bags. This car is built to ensure you survive a strong impact.

[@AUSly09]

The problem is OMC... it's not hard math to calculate mpg. I can GUARANTEE that going from a gas station just off the interstate to another one 200 miles away I'm pulling just above or just under 28 mpg. You mix city driving in there, that's about 22 or so depending on your driving. You hammer it from light to light, it drops to 19 or so. Deny it all you want, but the challenger and the camaro are going to be filling up a lot more than any GT owner. :)

[@GrandTheft99210]

We own a 2012 dodge challenger srt8 470 hp 6.4L hemi with. Nitto Invos with a 240 tread wear rating so yea at 61,392 its well worth it with all extras including a gps and 6 speed manual transmission so its loads of fun at the track

[@Braden420]

you can pick up a tenth with minor tuning changes if we were talking about 15 second cars but your not, its wayyy harder when your runnin around 13 seconds. the mustang gt is 13.5 1/4 mile and the gt500 is 12.9 on a 1/4 mile. 295 hp difference and .6 of a second faster. get what i'm sayyyyinnnn

[@Edrox5000]

damn that guy got aggressive at 2:24!

[@Valefor242]

The boxer engine is built to have less stress than a "V" engine. But FoMoCo will always have more after market support. You like mustangs I say go with what you like. No matter what, someone running something else will get the best of you. In the end its about doing what is fun FOR YOU.

[@PharohElion]

this is very correct idk why they did this the price range is different they put the cars in a diff. bracket of performance

[@th3coolon3]

@Paintballg0d your lancer doesn't make loud deep exhaust notes and it doesn't have that good ol' smell of gas in the morning.

[@mitchel8gg]

look at the evo x at 2:20. luv that car

[@69charger440]

ok, there seems to be some confusion on what a modular engine is. a modular engine is a ford thing. The modular engine did not get its name from its design or sharing of certain parts among the engine family. Instead, the name was derived from a manufacturing plant protocol, "Modular", where the plant and its tooling could be changed out in a matter of hours to manufacture different versions of the engine family.

[@bradleyg96]

I love it how he says now this is where the mustang goes horribly wrong.. Like common when doesnt a piece of shit go wrong

[@n8032]

yet most drivers.. like me, opted to put in an extra 900 to install manual transmission into srt8.

[@DaminoLordXL]

I agree with you sir. I was reading through the comments on the vid about the Challenger's weight issue (and it does lol). But I was looking at the Infiniti g37 convertible and that thing weighs the same about but nobody says a peep.

[@AUSly09]

Your friend also probably has a 6 speed with the extra gear for cruising, which makes a big difference and his car is probably 400 lbs lighter. He probably does SLIGHTLY better since they are capable of 18-28 mpg or so, but I doubt it is that much. You have to read the stats before you compare a $60,000 car to a $20,000 one.

[@n9iagalbert]

I agree, but the 4.6L makes more power than the 5.0L, so I say use that technologhy on a 6 or 7 leter.

[@mikerules666]

@ImperoRomano I think it is according to which package the car has. If it is the top SRT-8 model, then, it most likely will have these types of brakes. Brembo brakes are some of the best brakes that I know. Italians really know how to make an excellent sports car. Do not worry, your english is great. I am half Italian. My great grandmother was from Rome. It is nice to have friends all over the world.

[@birdman3402]

the vid is old, the challenger has is available with the 6 speed that comes in the viper now

[@Ruggbjerk]

How about comparing the new Shelby GT500 with a special edition SRT? That could be even more fun...

[@jessegraham9906]

Great video

[@Braden420]

not fair should have been the r/t vs the bullet srt should go against svt ... srt8 vs gt500 better comparison. this should be taken into account next retro muscle comparison. love to see the 2010's gt 500 vs srt8 and vs the baddest camarro that chevy will put out

[@insanitystudio]

i don't think they would be selling the car if it "fell apart on the road" we've all heard it before.

[@HotCheck2]

It may have its faults, but God DAMN that is an amazing looking car! Long live American Muscle!