Dodge Charger Sixpack vs. Challenger Scat Pack: Comparing the New V6 Muscle with its V8 Legacy
The evolution of American muscle cars has always been marked by performance, innovation, and sometimes, controversy. Since 2023, Dodge has been undergoing a seismic shift—the beloved V8 engine has largely retired, replaced by advanced powertrains designed to meet stricter emissions standards and market demands. One of the most compelling transitions is the new 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack Scat Pack, a return to the six-cylinder configuration that defined Dodge’s early days, albeit modernized with twin-turbocharging.
But how does the new guard perform against the old king? We took the opportunity to put the new Dodge Charger Sixpack head-to-head with its celebrated predecessor, the 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack. This deep-dive test comparison reveals just how much technology has changed the game—and what traditionalists might be missing.
The Genesis of a Legend: From Twin Turbos to Hemi Power
When Dodge first announced the new Charger for 2026, the reaction was mixed. Enthusiasts mourned the loss of the naturally aspirated V8, but the automotive world was eager to see what Dodge would do next. The answer: the Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six engine. This powerhouse is designed to deliver both visceral performance and respectable fuel efficiency, marking a return to the cylinder configuration that powered iconic models like the Super Bee and Daytona in the late 1960s.
Our test subject is the Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus model, a nod to the Charger’s muscle heritage, now equipped with a 550-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six. This configuration is a significant technological leap from the last generation, which featured the legendary 485-hp 6.4-liter naturally aspirated V8. By comparing these two vehicles, we are effectively measuring the evolution of American muscle over seven years.
The Challenger Legacy: A 2019 Benchmark
While the Dodge Challenger officially bowed out of the lineup after the 2023 model year, its legacy looms large. We still encounter reminders of this iconic car—especially when we see the two-door 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus parked next to our reference 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody. This comparison allows us to gauge whether the new model truly lives up to its heritage, especially regarding the core metrics of grip, braking, and acceleration that define a true muscle car.
The 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack was the pinnacle of V8 performance in its generation, offering a 6.4-liter Hemi engine that delivered instant, predictable power. It had a reputation for being a reliable, brutal performer that demanded respect. Now, let’s see how the modern Dodge Charger performance stacks up against this benchmark in a series of rigorous tests.
Performance Metrics: The Numbers Tell the Story
The real heart of muscle car evaluation lies in the test track. While the Dodge Charger gas engine (Hurricane twin-turbo six) boasts impressive horsepower figures, the real-world application depends on weight, tires, and handling.
Braking and Grip: Where Weight and Tires Matter
One of the first areas where the new Charger showed its struggle was in braking and cornering. Our testing revealed that the old-school V8 Challenger still held the advantage in these critical areas.
Braking:
Challenger (2019): Stopped from 70 mph in 148 feet.
Charger (2026): Stopped from 70 mph in 177 feet.
This difference of 29 feet is significant. When analyzing Dodge Challenger tire options and Charger’s specs, it becomes clear why this happened. The 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack came standard with aggressive performance tires. In contrast, the 2026 Dodge Charger was tested with all-season tires, which severely impact stopping distance. Although Dodge plans to offer summer tires later in 2026, the current testing discrepancy highlights a critical oversight in the initial configuration.
Grip (Skidpad):
Challenger (2019): Achieved 0.96 g.
Charger (2026): Achieved 0.90 g.
The Charger’s skidpad result of 0.90 g indicates a notable difference in handling capability compared to the Challenger’s 0.96 g. This underperformance is further compounded by the Charger’s considerably higher curb weight.
Weight Advantage: The Modern Hurdle
The weight difference between these two cars is substantial. Modern safety features, increased sound deadening, and the new powertrain components have added considerable heft to the 2026 Dodge Charger.
Challenger (2019): 4352 pounds.
Charger (2026): 4889 pounds.
This 537-pound weight penalty explains a lot of the Charger’s performance deficit in cornering and braking. When a car gains over half a ton in weight, its center of gravity shifts, and the forces on the tires and brakes increase exponentially.
Straight-Line Acceleration: A Clear Win for the Six-Cylinder
While the Charger fell behind in handling and braking, it dominated the critical muscle car metric: straight-line acceleration. This is where the Hurricane twin-turbo six truly shines.
0-60 mph:
Charger (2026): 3.7 seconds (two-tenths quicker).
Challenger (2019): 3.9 seconds (or 3.7 seconds according to EPA estimates).
Note: While Car and Driver reported 3.7s for the Charger, EPA estimates list the 2019 Challenger at 3.7s. We rely on our in-house testing data for this comparison.
100 mph:
Charger (2026): 8.8 seconds.
Challenger (2019): 9.3 seconds.
Quarter-Mile:
Charger (2026): 12.1 seconds at 116 mph.
Challenger (2019): 12.4 seconds at 114 mph.
The Dodge Charger acceleration is undeniably impressive. The new twin-turbo engine generates massive torque low in the RPM range, providing instant, neck-snapping launch power that the Hemi V-8 Challenger couldn’t quite match in this test. However, the Charger’s torque delivery is more linear, while the Challenger’s power delivery felt more raw and immediate.
The Torque Delivery Debate: Instant Gratification vs. Refined Power
Muscle car enthusiasts often debate the “feel” of the engine. While the old Challenger V8 delivered a visceral, almost mechanical punch, the new Charger’s twin-turbo six offers a smoother, albeit incredibly potent, surge of power.
5-to-60 mph:
Challenger: 4.2 seconds.
Charger: 4.8 seconds.
This metric illustrates a key difference in engine behavior. The Charger’s twin-turbo setup requires a slight delay before the turbos spool up, whereas the Hemi V8 provided instant throttle response. For drivers who prefer a car that reacts the moment the pedal moves, the Challenger still holds the advantage in engine responsiveness.
The 2026 Dodge Charger: Defining the Modern Muscle Car
The debate about what constitutes a true American muscle car is ongoing. Does it require a V8? Must it have a specific engine size? Or is it defined by visceral performance and straight-line speed?
With the new Dodge Charger gas-fed model, Dodge has clearly prioritized power and speed over raw sound and handling feel. The Hurricane twin-turbo engine represents a massive technological leap, delivering performance that rivals its V8 predecessors while addressing modern fuel efficiency standards.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
For buyers considering a new Dodge Charger gas-fed model, this comparison provides critical context.
Buy Now? If your primary concern is acceleration and straight-line speed, the Charger Sixpack delivers. However, if grip, braking, and engine responsiveness are paramount, you might want to wait for the summer tire option later in 2026, or consider upgrading to the Charger SRT for potentially better tire options.
Wait? Waiting for the 2027 models or late 2026 additions could offer better optimization of performance and handling. With the introduction of summer tires, the Charger’s performance metrics will likely improve significantly.
Rent/Invest? As the Dodge Challenger V8 is being phased out, older models are holding their value incredibly well. Investing in a well-maintained used 2019 Challenger Scat Pack could be a smart financial move for enthusiasts who appreciate the traditional V8 feel and the growing collectibility of naturally aspirated muscle.
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