2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, maintained its appeal through a variety of models, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger continued to attract buyers with its bold, muscular stance and widebody options. The exterior featured a range of wheel and colour choices, with distinctive Hellcat badging for those in the know. However, its interior lagged in luxury, with utilitarian materials and limited comfort features, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a more refined and modern aesthetic. The M340i variant, in particular, combined sporty design elements with a sophisticated interior. The use of high-quality materials and a focus on driving enjoyment over luxury defined its cabin. The exterior design, while traditional, did not compromise on the sporty driving experience, making it a favourite among enthusiasts seeking both performance and practicality.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines. The base models featured a 3.6-litre V6 with 300 horsepower, while the R/T variant boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 horsepower. The Scat Pack models upped the ante with a 6.4-litre V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The pinnacle was the SRT Hellcat Redeye, with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing an astounding 797 horsepower. Despite its power, the Charger’s fuel efficiency varied, with the Hellcat Redeye being the least efficient.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Its mild-hybrid technology contributed to impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The M340i’s performance was enhanced by an eight-speed automatic transmission, M Sport differential, and adaptive suspension, providing a thrilling yet controlled driving experience. The car’s acceleration and handling were top-notch, making it a standout in its class.

The Dodge Charger, a spacious four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality. Its interior, though dated, offered a roomy back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The steering wheel was functional, with paddle shifters available on most models. However, the interior materials leaned towards the utilitarian side, lacking the premium feel expected at higher price points.

The BMW 3 Series M340i provided a blend of sportiness and comfort. Its power-adjustable front sport seats offered excellent support, while the rear seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably. The interior featured a three-zone climate control system and decent storage space, with a 481-litre trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. Despite its practicality, the absence of ventilated front seats was notable.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from its tech appeal.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series excelled in technology, featuring the Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options and a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker audio system, with an optional Harman Kardon system available. The Intelligent Personal Assistant and Connected Package Pro added to its tech-savvy appeal.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star safety rating from NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist and electronic stability control. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a comprehensive safety package, including forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The M340i variant included advanced features like Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant. It earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.