2024 Dodge Charger Daytona vs 2023 Dodge Challenger

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost was a nod to the past, drawing inspiration from a legendary 1970 Challenger RT SE. It was based on the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, with its supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine delivering an impressive 807 horsepower. The Black Ghost stood out with its Pitch Black paint, white rear fender graphics, and a unique “gator skin” roof graphic. Chrome accents and Mopar-sourced hood pins added to its retro charm, while the 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels completed the vintage look. Despite the trend of blacked-out aesthetics, the Black Ghost's old-school detailing made it a standout, exuding a classic vibe rooted in 1970s styling.

Inside, the Challenger Black Ghost offered luxury touches like premium Laguna semi-aniline leather upholstery and genuine carbon fibre trim. However, modern technology was sparse, with only a driver information display and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The build quality from Canada’s Brampton Assembly was commendable, despite the use of inexpensive plastic. The Challenger lineup ranged from $40,295 to $130,890, with the Black Ghost subject to Canada’s luxury tax due to its high price.

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, on the other hand, was a leap into the future with its electric powertrain. Initially available as a coupe, it was set to be joined by a sedan version in 2026. The Charger Daytona featured two AWD variants: the R/T and the Scat Pack. The R/T boasted a 442-volt powertrain with a 100.5-kWh battery, producing 456 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack upped the ante with 630 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both trims offered a “Plus” package with modern conveniences like a surround-view parking camera and wireless charging pad. The Charger Daytona's design was sleek, with the White Knuckle paint highlighting its muscular lines. Additional packages like the Blacktop and Sun and Sound added to its appeal, making it a well-rounded electric muscle car.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost was a powerhouse, with its 807-horsepower supercharged Hemi engine delivering relentless acceleration. The car's rear end could get slippery under hard acceleration, but the traction and stability control systems helped manage the power. The Challenger's adaptive damping suspension and Brembo brakes provided better handling than expected, though its size made it feel less agile on narrow roads. Driving modes like Auto, Sport, and Track allowed for customization, but the warning light in Sport and Track modes was a reminder of the reduced safety net. Fuel economy was a downside, with the Challenger consuming up to 15.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack was equally thrilling, with its 630 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It featured additional drive modes like Track and Drag, with the latter enabling a 0 to 96 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds. The “Powershot” feature added 40 horsepower for short bursts, enhancing the driving experience. The R/T variant, while less powerful, still impressed with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. The Charger Daytona's suspension was more refined than its predecessor, offering a stable and comfortable ride. However, its weight impacted driving range, with the R/T offering up to 496 kilometres and the Scat Pack up to 388 kilometres.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost offered a spacious interior, with sport-bolstered, heated, and ventilated front seats providing comfort. The driver’s seat had six-way power adjustment, and the heated steering wheel was power-adjustable. However, the coupe's long doors could be cumbersome in tight spaces. The Challenger's design emphasized form over function, with limited in-cabin storage. Despite this, it could accommodate rear passengers comfortably and offered a 458-litre trunk, though the high lift-over height was a drawback.

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona coupe provided ample headroom and legroom for front passengers, with supportive high-backed sport seats. Rear legroom measured 944 millimetres, offering decent space for two adults. The Charger Daytona featured a rear hatchback, providing a 642-litre trunk that expanded to 1,056 litres with the rear seats folded. While the trunk was shallower than expected, it offered practical storage solutions with cupholders and cubbies.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Performance Pages allowed access to various settings and data, while the Harman Kardon sound system provided good sound quality. The Challenger's age showed in its technology, with knobs and buttons for climate control and audio adjustments.

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running UConnect 5 software. While the graphics were clear, the system occasionally lagged. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Alpine stereo, and a unique “Fratzonic” chambered exhaust system that mimicked a V8 engine sound. The Charger Daytona's tech features added to its modern appeal, with drive modes offering different sound experiences.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost had limited safety features, with a low-resolution reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced safety features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control were unavailable. The Challenger received high marks from the NHTSA but less favourable ratings from the IIHS.

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including full-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the Charger Daytona's safety features provided a reassuring level of protection.