Dodge Charger Sixpack vs. Challenger Scat Pack: A 2026 Performance Shootout
The Shift from V-8 Muscle to Turbocharged Six
For decades, the soundtrack to American muscle was the satisfying rumble of a massive V-8 engine. The Dodge Challenger and Charger were synonymous with raw power, emitting a visceral growl that defined the genre. But in 2026, the landscape has fundamentally shifted. Dodge has transitioned to a new engine philosophy, leaving behind the iconic Hemi V-8 in favor of a modern, twin-turbocharged inline-six dubbed the Hurricane.
This monumental change raises a critical question for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike: Does the new Dodge Charger Sixpack live up to the legacy of the legendary Challenger Scat Pack?
To answer this, we’ve conducted a head-to-head comparison between the 2026 Charger Sixpack and the 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack. This analysis, based on our official test results, explores how the new twin-turbo six-cylinder stacks up against the old-school Hemi V-8 in performance, acceleration, and overall driving dynamics.
Testing Methodology & The Purpose of the Numbers
At Car and Driver’s Testing Hub, we pride ourselves on providing objective, data-driven insights that complement our subjective driving impressions. Since 1956, we have rigorously pushed vehicles to their limits to ensure our readers have the most accurate information to make informed financial and purchasing decisions. (See how we test here)
The Challenger was officially retired after the 2023 model year, yet its ghost lingers in every new Charger we see. This is particularly true when we look at the two-door 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus. Having recently tested this new model, we wanted to directly compare its performance metrics with the figures we recorded for the 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody back when it was new.
Performance Metrics: Where Acceleration Wins, Grip Loses
The most jarring finding in this comparison is that the new Charger, despite being a technological leap forward in some areas, actually underperforms compared to its predecessor in certain key metrics. This is rarely the desired outcome for a new generation model, and it makes understanding the Dodge Charger vs Challenger cost implications even more vital.
Acceleration: The Six-Cylinder Advantage
In a straight-line drag race, the Charger Sixpack holds the upper hand. The new gas-fed Charger utilizes a 550-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six (the Hurricane engine). In stark contrast, the Challenger we tested was equipped with a 485-hp naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V-8 (the classic 392 Hemi).
Despite being considerably heavier, the Dodge Charger Sixpack managed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds, outperforming the V-8 Challenger by two-tenths of a second. This is a significant margin in performance driving.
The gap widens even further at higher speeds. The Charger reached 100 mph in 8.8 seconds, while the Challenger took 9.3 seconds to cover the same distance.
Furthermore, the quarter-mile test highlighted the Charger’s straight-line supremacy. It completed the quarter-mile in 12.1 seconds at 116 mph, whereas the Challenger crossed the line in 12.4 seconds at 114 mph.
While the numbers clearly favor the new Charger in acceleration, the feel behind the wheel tells a different story. The Hemi V-8 offered a more visceral and responsive driving experience. We measured a 5-to-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds in the Challenger versus a 4.8 second time in the Charger. This suggests that while the Charger’s turbo lag is minimal, the immediate surge from the Hemi felt more direct and responsive, even if slightly slower overall.
Handling and Braking: The Weight Disadvantage
When we look at grip and braking, the narrative flips dramatically. This is where the Dodge Charger’s curb weight and 2026 tire options became critical factors.
The Challenger Scat Pack achieved a 0.96 g on the skidpad, demonstrating superior cornering capability. The Charger, on the other hand, only managed 0.90 g. This difference is immediately noticeable when navigating corners, where the Charger felt less planted and exhibited more body roll.
Braking performance further highlights the Challenger’s advantage. From 70 mph, the Challenger needed only 148 feet to come to a complete stop. The Charger, despite being newer, required a considerably longer 177 feet.
To understand this disparity, we need to examine the mechanical factors. Currently, Dodge does not offer the Charger Sixpack with summer performance tires, which are standard on the Charger Daytona EV. However, a Dodge spokesperson confirmed that sticky summer tires will be available for the gas-fed model later in 2026.
Nevertheless, along with the tire disadvantage, the Charger has gained significant weight. The Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus we tested weighed in at 4,889 pounds. In comparison, the 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack weighed 4,352 pounds. This 537-pound weight penalty, combined with the all-season tires, explains the performance gap in handling and braking.
Understanding Engine Options: V-8 vs. Inline-Six
The debate over what defines a muscle car has raged since the segment began. While traditionalists insist on V-8 power, the modern market has forced manufacturers to adapt. The Dodge Charger Sixpack represents this evolution, but it’s important to understand the underlying technical differences that drive the performance discrepancies.
The Challenger’s Legacy: Hemi Power
The 6.4-liter 392 Hemi engine found in the 2019 Challenger was the heart of a dying breed. It was a naturally aspirated powerhouse known for its linear power delivery, incredible reliability, and the addictive rumble that had defined muscle cars for decades.
Cost Considerations: When these cars were new, a Hemi-equipped Challenger was a premium purchase. Today, used Dodge Challenger pricing reflects the growing demand for these increasingly rare machines. Finding a clean Challenger Scat Pack can be challenging, and used car loan rates in 2026 may make financing options less favorable than they were previously.
The Charger’s Future: The Hurricane Engine
Dodge has shifted its strategy to modernizing its engine lineup. The Hurricane engine is a 3.0-liter inline-six featuring twin turbochargers. It produces 550 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, representing a significant increase in power and efficiency compared to the old V-8.
Technical Advantages:
Efficiency: The twin-turbo setup allows for better fuel economy and lower emissions.
Torque: The engine delivers high torque at lower RPMs, enhancing initial acceleration.
Future Potential: The Hurricane platform is modular and can be adapted to higher-performance variants (like the rumored 600 hp Sixpack).
Cost Considerations: The 2026 Dodge Charger prices are influenced by the advanced powertrain technology. While the base model might be more affordable than the supercharged Hellcat variants, the Scat Pack Plus still commands a significant premium. Potential buyers should compare 2026 Charger lease deals versus financing to understand the total cost of ownership.
What This Means for You: Making the Right Purchase Decision
Understanding these performance gaps is crucial when deciding whether to buy a new Charger or search for a used Challenger.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
For the Performance Enthusiast:
If your primary goal is pure straight-line speed, the 2026 Charger Sixpack is an exceptional choice. The twin-turbo Hurricane engine delivers exhilarating acceleration that often beats the V-8 Challenger. However, if you prioritize razor-sharp handling and stopping power, the Challenger Scat Pack currently holds the edge.
What to Do:
Wait for Tires: The addition of summer tires to the Charger Sixpack later in 2026 will likely close the handling gap significantly. If you can wait, you might get the best of both worlds—modern power with improved grip.
Consider Used: If you can find a 2019 Challenger Scat Pack in excellent condition, it remains a formidable performance car. However, pre-owned vehicle market values have increased, so negotiate carefully.
For the Everyday Driver:
The new Charger offers modern technology, better fuel economy, and a more contemporary interior design. If you’re looking for a daily driver that still packs a punch, the Charger is a compelling option.
Financial Strategy:
Lease vs. Buy: Given the volatility in the auto loan interest rates, consider leasing if you want the latest technology but aren’t committed to long-term ownership.
Investment Potential: While the Charger is a performance car, it’s also a depreciating asset. The Challenger, as a discontinued model, might hold its value better in the long run, though scarcity drives up prices.
Best Financial Strategies Right Now (2026)
In today’s economic climate, making a smart financial decision is paramount
