2020 Dodge Challenger vs 2021 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2020 Dodge Challenger was a modern homage to its 1970s predecessor, maintaining a muscular silhouette with design updates over the years. Its recessed headlights and grille gave it a menacing look, while the interior offered a driver-focused cockpit with a blend of modern and vintage elements. Despite its retro charm, some might have found the design a bit dated. The Challenger offered a variety of trims, from the SXT with standard features like 18-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen, to the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody with a dual-intake hood scoop and unique colour options.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible was a striking vehicle with its power retractable hardtop and mid-engine layout. The convertible offered an open-air experience, enhancing the sound of the engine and exhaust. However, it sacrificed some rear visibility and the ability to view the engine under glass. The Corvette's interior was futuristic, with a digital instrumentation panel and a unique cockpit design. Despite its challenges in entry and exit, the Corvette provided a premium feel with features like GT2 sport seats and a heated steering wheel. The car's exterior design was bold, though opinions on its rear-end styling varied.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 305 horsepower in the SXT and GT trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, delivering up to 475 hp with a manual transmission. The Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp, while the SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-litre V8 produced 717 hp. The Hellcat Redeye pushed this further to 797 hp. The Challenger's performance was enhanced by features like Brembo brakes, launch control, and adaptive suspension, making it a versatile sports coupe.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette, equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, delivered 495 horsepower from its 6.2-litre V8 engine. The car's eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided a smooth driving experience, with multiple driving modes for different conditions. The Z51 Package included performance-tuned dampers, brakes, and a limited-slip differential, enhancing the Corvette's dynamic capabilities. The mid-engine layout contributed to its excellent handling and visibility, making it a joy to drive on both straight roads and winding mountain paths.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger stood out with its spacious cabin, offering ample legroom and headroom for a coupe. The rear seats were accessible and provided decent space, though the retro styling limited visibility. The Challenger's cargo space was impressive at 459 litres, surpassing competitors like the Camaro and Mustang. The traditional RWD setup resulted in a large centre console, but storage cubbies in the doors were helpful.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette's interior was characterized by its digital instrumentation and unique cockpit design. While getting in and out could be challenging, the cabin offered premium features like Nappa leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The Corvette provided 357 litres of cargo space, split between the rear trunk and front storage area. The wireless smartphone charger was a convenient addition, though not easily accessible.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect system, known for its intuitive layout and ease of use. It supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an available 8.4-inch screen offering navigation. Higher trims included premium sound systems from Alpine and Harman Kardon. The digital display in the instrument panel was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette came with a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to pair two smartphones simultaneously. The Corvette offered a Performance Data Recorder, acting as a dash-cam and performance tracker. Despite its high-tech features, the Corvette's systems were intuitive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and brake assist. Optional features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Challenger received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash testing and a "Good" rating in many IIHS tests, though its overall score was "Marginal."

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette offered Teen Driver technology, providing a report card on young drivers' behaviour. Chevrolet Connected Services included collision notification and emergency calling. Visibility enhancements like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. However, the Corvette lacked modern ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.