Ford Mustang vs Dodge Challenger

The 2024 Ford Mustang underwent a subtle yet impactful style refresh, with nearly every body panel reworked. The front boasted a larger grille and narrower headlights, creating a more aggressive appearance. The nose was more upright, giving the impression of charging headfirst into the wind. The profile retained the classic long hood and shorter tail, but the rear fender flare was more angular and pronounced. The back end featured a deep-cut bevel, creating a sharply angled fascia and taillights, which became the most distinctive exterior trait. Inside, the Mustang received a significant makeover, replacing the traditional dual-cowl dashboard with a modern look. A striking glass panel enclosed the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, while the middle of the dash had a cleaner appearance due to the relocation of physical climate controls to the infotainment screen. Materials quality improved, with fewer hard plastic surfaces and more lightly padded sections, giving the cabin an upmarket impression.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost was based on the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, with its supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 807 horsepower. Inspired by a legendary 1970 Challenger, the Black Ghost featured Pitch Black paint, white rear fender graphics, and retro touches like chrome Dodge lettering and Mopar-sourced hood pins. The 20-inch wheels had a Satin Carbon finish, and the old-school detailing contrasted sharply with the paint. The interior featured luxury touches such as premium Laguna leather upholstery, simulated suede, and genuine carbon fibre trim. Despite the use of inexpensive plastic, the build quality was commendable. The Challenger's design, rooted in 1970s styling, remained vintage, and the Black Ghost was extra retro. The lineup ranged in price, with the Black Ghost carrying an MSRP of $130,890, subject to Canada's luxury tax on vehicles priced over $100,000.

The 2024 Ford Mustang offered a range of engines, starting with the EcoBoost 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GT models featured the Coyote 5.0-litre V8, delivering 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with an optional Active Exhaust system increasing output slightly. The top-of-the-range Dark Horse model produced 500 hp. The EcoBoost engine provided adequate acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in roughly 5.0 seconds, while the GT was faster by at least half a second. The manual transmission with rev matching enhanced driver engagement. The EcoBoost's handling was impressive with the optional High Performance package, offering responsive steering and confidence-inspiring tires. The GT was the driver's choice, with abundant power and a glorious sound. The ride quality was well-balanced, and the available MagneRide adaptive suspension offered subtle differences between settings. The new Electronic Drift Brake feature added a fun novelty for controlled conditions.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost's acceleration was stupefying, with the supercharged Hemi engine producing 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission tamed the engine's racket, but the car never spoke softly. The Challenger's size made it feel less nimble on narrow roads, but it rode and handled better than expected, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension and Brembo brakes. The SRT models offered Auto, Sport, and Track driving modes, with Sport mode providing heavier steering and firmer suspension. Fuel economy was poor, with the Challenger consuming up to 15.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The car's age showed in its lack of modern technology, but it remained a powerful and thrilling muscle car.

The 2024 Ford Mustang's front seats were accommodating for larger occupants, offering plenty of cushioning for long-distance comfort. The rear seats were cramped, better suited for cargo overflow than passengers. The convertible top was easy to operate, providing a classic open-air experience. The Mustang Convertible had a cargo capacity of 291 litres, while the Fastback offered 376 litres. Smaller personal item storage was limited, with average-sized cupholders and door pockets.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger's size paid dividends in comfort and practicality. The Black Ghost's front seats were wide and comfortable, with six-way power adjustment for the driver. The long doors could be challenging in cramped quarters, but keyless entry was standard. The interior's driver-centric instrumentation and centre console contributed to the sensation of driving a modern classic. The Challenger's 458-litre trunk was larger than its rivals, though the loading lift-over height was high.

The 2024 Ford Mustang featured a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The Sync 4 system had sharp graphics and a logical menu structure, though responses could be slow. Primary climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, working well with the system's temperature maintenance. A physical volume knob and a button for performance features were included. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, with optional navigation and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger's Uconnect 4 touchscreen infotainment system measured 8.4 inches, with an intuitive user interface. Performance Pages provided access to data and configurable settings, with quick access buttons on the dashboard. The system included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming audio, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Challenger's age showed in its knobs and buttons, minimizing driver distraction.

The 2024 Ford Mustang's crash test results were not yet available, but the previous generation received high marks from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control and a safe passenger exit warning were optional.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost had limited safety features, with a low-resolution reversing camera, rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control were unavailable. The Challenger provided some protection in a collision, with high marks from the NHTSA but less favourable ratings from the IIHS.