RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

Thanks RLSH700, I tried to find a reference for this that would give a good comparison on the Magnum RWD vs. AWD, but all I could find were some timeslips on dragtimes.com that showed the AWD being a couple 10ths faster through the 60ft, and staying ahead through the quarter mile. The 60 foot time for the AWD R/T was similar to the RWD SRT-8.
http://www.dragtimes.com/Dodge-Magnu...slip-7110.html
http://www.dragtimes.com/Dodge-Magnu...slip-6425.html
http://www.dragtimes.com/Dodge-Magnu...slip-6947.html

Far from scientific, but not much worse than comparing a couple different magazine tests...

The weight definitely makes a difference, which is why with the 6 speed manual in the Challenger, I wouldn't be surprised if it could match/beat the GC SRT-8. I think comparing the Challenger will be close enough to the GT 500 that it'll be pretty close to a driver's race.

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

everything is a "drivers race"...you could put a top fuel dragster against my ramcharger, and if the driver in the dragster doesnt know what to do, ill win...:D

stock for stock, the current srt-8 charger and 300 run low 13s, and the stock gt500s are high 12s. add the same tires to both vehicles, and the game is over...the gt500 will trounce the srt-8 models...the challenger might make that a little closer, but ive not seen a stock or near stock srt-8 model obtain traps speeds like the gt500...the srt8 models seem to trap around 108, where the gt500 is 112-115..and for those of you not experienced with track times, thats a big difference.

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

Well...we'll just have to put forced induction on the Challenger then, and that should fix the problem:D

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

Tis true what they say, you learn something new everyday. It will be interesting to see which car is faster in the long run. I just think that despite what the hp & tq and weight numbers say, I think the two are going to be much closer than some think. Also I wouldn't be surprised if the Challenger is faster.

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

but for that to happen, it would have to defy physics...

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

That wasn't my theory, Bud. That was something I pointed out about running "twisties", or road courses. Not everyone runs straight line races.
;)

I wish I could remember where the review was that I referred to above about the GT500's performance ("....all of the ponies not running in the same direction").
As for drag racing, I agree, the live rear axle (as opposed to independant 4 wheel suspension provides for a more solid launch.
But, DCX hasn't announced what tranny package they'll offer in the Challenger (or even verified which motor will definitely go in it, for that fact). We could end up with a 6-speed manual transmission that has gearing for great acceleration, as well as a tall top gear for fuel mileage/top speed.
They've been very quiet for three months now. I wish they'd release some concrete & verifiable details on which direction(s) they're going with the Challenger's drivetrain and production numbers.
[X(]

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

Well, I am hoping to hear more news at the SEMA show this month from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. Let's see what happens.

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

unfortunately, for all we know, it could be launched as a CVT transmission behind a 3.5L hybrid, in a minivan...:D

seriously though, i thought that they did say at some point that it would have A hemi, and a manual trans offering?

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

I'm pretty sure they said it would offer the manual of the 6.1L. If they ever did offer it only with the 3.5L, CVT hybrid version, I would go crazy. Hate CVTs almost as much as I hate hybrids.

RE: Why the 6.1L Challenger could be faster than the GT500
 

Forget about it, the 6.1 Challenger will not be as fast as the Shelby! I may have to pass on the Challenger if they don't offer the 6.4.