2020 Dodge Challenger vs 2019 Ford Mustang

The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt was a standout in the Mustang lineup, offering a unique twist on the classic design. It retained the iconic Mustang look but with enhancements that made it feel exclusive and distinctive. The front end, with its blacked-out, chrome-trimmed grille and absence of the pony logo, transformed the car's appearance, drawing curious inquiries from onlookers. The Bullitt's performance enhancements, including a slight horsepower boost, added to its allure, making it superior to the standard Mustang GT. Despite the power increase, the Bullitt maintained a top speed of 262 km/h, offering a thrilling driving experience.

The Bullitt was built on the 2019 Ford Mustang GT fastback with the Performance Package, which included larger brakes, Michelin Pilot Sports, and suspension tuning. The starting price in Canada was $57,265, significantly higher than the standard GT. The Bullitt Electronics Package added features like blind-spot monitoring, a premium stereo, and navigation. The MagneRide dampers were an available option, enhancing the driving experience. Overall, the Bullitt delivered on its promise of exclusivity and performance, albeit at a premium price.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger continued to pay homage to its 1970s roots while incorporating modern updates. Its design updates over the years included vents, wings, and scoops, but it retained its muscular silhouette. The recessed headlights and grille gave it a menacing look, hinting at the performance potential beneath. Inside, the Challenger featured a driver-focused cockpit with a blend of modern and vintage elements. While some might find the design dated, it was a deliberate nod to its heritage.

Dodge offered a wide range of Challenger models, from the SXT to the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, each catering to different performance preferences. Standard features on the SXT included 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims like the R/T and Scat Pack 392 added performance upgrades and unique styling elements. The Hellcat models boasted a dual-intake hood scoop and powerful engines. For 2020, Dodge introduced new colours and a 50th Anniversary package for select models, adding to the Challenger's appeal.

The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt was equipped with a nearly 500-hp V8 engine, adaptive dampers, and a six-speed manual transmission, promising an exhilarating driving experience. It could accelerate to 60 mph in just over four seconds and complete a quarter-mile in about 12.5 seconds. The Bullitt's suspension was stiff, prioritizing style over comfort, but it allowed for thrilling rear-wheel-drive dynamics. The six-speed transmission, paired with a forgiving clutch and rev-matching, made it accessible to drivers of all skill levels. Despite its performance focus, the Bullitt managed respectable fuel economy, with estimates of 16.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.9 on the highway.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 305 hp in the SXT and GT trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 hp with a manual transmission. The Scat Pack 392 upgraded to a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 717 hp, while the Hellcat Redeye cranked it up to 797 hp. The Challenger's performance was complemented by features like Brembo brakes, launch control, and adaptive suspension. The Hellcat variants came with two sets of keys, allowing drivers to limit power when needed.

The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt prioritized style and performance over practicality. While it excelled in looking good and sounding mean, it fell short in terms of interior space and storage. The Bullitt offered 382 litres of storage, which was limited for those needing to carry passengers or cargo. The interior featured aesthetic enhancements, but some cheap plastics and fitment issues detracted from the overall experience. Given its price, the Bullitt demanded better interior quality.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger stood out with its spacious cabin, offering ample legroom and decent headroom for a coupe. The rear seats provided impressive legroom, and a quick-release latch facilitated access. The Challenger's retro styling and large rear pillars created a tank-like feel in the rear, while the driver faced limited visibility. The Challenger offered 459 litres of cargo space, surpassing both the Camaro and Mustang. The RWD setup resulted in a large centre console, but storage cubbies in the doors helped compensate for the limited console space.

The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt embraced modern technology, shedding its reputation as a Luddite. It featured a modern engine, adaptive suspension, and independent rear suspension. Selectable drive modes allowed drivers to tailor the car's personality. The Bullitt came with standard features like Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a rearview camera. The Bullitt Electronics package added blind-spot monitoring, a premium stereo, and navigation. The Sync 3 infotainment system was user-friendly, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were recommended for a better experience.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring the Uconnect interface. Uconnect was known for its intuitive layout, with a tablet-like dock of icons and redundant buttons for ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with mobile devices. The available Uconnect 8.4 offered a larger screen and Garmin-based navigation. Higher trims like the Hellcat included premium sound systems, with options for an Alpine or Harman Kardon setup. The Challenger's digital display in the instrument panel featured logical menu layouts, ensuring minimal distraction for the driver.

The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt featured improved braking over the standard Mustang, stopping several metres sooner from highway speeds. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA in every category, while the IIHS awarded it an Acceptable rating for the driver's side small overlap test and a Marginal rating for child safety latches.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and brake assist. The optional technology group added advanced features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Challenger earned four stars in front driver's side crash testing from the NHTSA and five stars for front passenger side testing. It received a "Good" rating in many IIHS crash tests but earned a "Marginal" overall score.