Ford Mustang vs Dodge Charger Daytona

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, moving away from the traditional dual-cowl dashboard to a modern look with a striking glass panel enclosing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The centre console and doors remained similar to the previous model, but with improved materials quality, replacing hard plastic surfaces with lightly padded sections for a more upmarket impression.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona drew inspiration from the late 1960s Charger, with retro styling superimposed onto current proportions. The grille was narrower, and the headlights were hidden in an illuminated slot spanning the front fascia. The Charger was initially offered as a two-door coupe, with a four-door sedan body style expected for the 2026 model year. Based on the Stellantis STLA Large architecture, the new Charger was almost 23 centimetres longer than the previous Challenger, with nearly 13 cm added to the wheelbase. The exterior styling paid homage to its heritage, with sharply creased fenders enhancing its muscle-car appeal. The interior favoured modernity and technology, with large horizontal digital displays dominating the wide dashboard. The optional Carbon and Suede package added faux suede headliner and dash trim, along with carbon fibre accents, improving upon the Charger's otherwise plain plastic elements.

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 to 486 hp and 418 lb-ft. The top-of-the-range Ford Mustang Dark Horse produced 500 hp. The EcoBoost engine was expected to reach 100 km/h in roughly 5.0 seconds, while the GT could beat that time by at least half a second. The manual transmission with rev matching was praised for its ease of use, and the optional High Performance package enhanced the EcoBoost's handling. The ride quality was well-balanced, and the available MagneRide adaptive suspension offered a broader range of comfort and cornering. The new Electronic Drift Brake feature added a fun novelty for controlled conditions.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona was offered only in all-electric Daytona form, with the R/T base model featuring two electric motors producing 456 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. The Charger Daytona Scat Pack increased output to 670 hp and 627 lb-ft with the PowerShot button, achieving 0-96 km/h in 3.2 seconds. The Scat Pack also included larger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and drift and donut modes. Despite its hefty curb weight of 2,700 kilograms, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack was thrilling and predictable in handling. The adaptive dampers added firmness in Sport mode and cushiness in normal settings. The Charger offered one-pedal driving, though it was not as smooth as expected. The synthesized Fratzonic "engine" noises added to the muscle car personality, though they could become tiresome over time.

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. Cargo capacity was limited to 291 litres for the Convertible and 376 litres for the Fastback. The Mustang lacked in personal item storage, with average-sized cupholders and door pockets, but included a rubberized tray with an available wireless charging pad.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona offered an abundance of space for larger drivers, with plenty of adjustment range. The back seats were roomy for the class, comfortably holding an average-sized adult. The large panoramic sunroof enhanced the sensation of interior space but lacked a sliding sunshade. Personal item storage was adequate, with moderately sized cupholders and door pockets, a centre armrest bin, and a rubberized tray for smartphones. The rear hatch opened to reveal a large cargo area of 642 litres, though height-limited at the furthest back. The Plus package added a power-operated hatch and a frunk bin under the hood.

The 2024 Ford Mustang came with a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The Sync 4 infotainment system featured sharp graphics and a logical menu structure, though responses could be slow. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A physical volume knob and a button for performance features were appreciated. The gauge cluster was customizable, with themes including a nostalgic nod to the Fox-body Mustangs.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T featured a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with the Scat Pack upgrading to a 16-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was easy to use for basic functions but required menu navigation for secondary features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available in the Plus package. The optional Sun and Sound package upgraded to an 18-speaker Alpine premium audio system, though the bass was lacking.

Crash test results for the 2024 Ford Mustang were not yet available, but the previous generation received high ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control and a safe passenger exit warning were available as options.

Crash-test results for the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona were not yet published. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and parking proximity sensors. The Plus package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control was noted for its delayed braking response, diminishing confidence in the system.