The great hotrodder Hamlet once said, "To R/T or SRT? That is the question."
He then went on a vengeful killing spree, but that's not relevant here.
What is relevant for me is the first question, as I am considering getting a Challenger in a couple of years. Perhaps.
But which one shall I pull? -- as there are two Challengers from which to choose, and both are bad mothers.
Well, I was fortunate to drive both of them in the last few days, and I think I've made up my mind.
The SRT8 has HID headlamps standard, more heavily bolstered seats than the R/T, beautiful standard 20" forged Alcoa aluminum wheels... oh yeah, and a 6.1L pushrod Hemi V8 vs the 5.7L in the R/T.
And that's the thing -- when both are equipped with the awesome 6-speed Tremec manuals (and equally awesome clutch), I couldn't feel any discernable difference between the two in straightline performance. Close acceleration numbers have already been shown by Inside Line performance testing.
Can you really tell the difference between 375 and 425 hp? Not me.
The SRT8 also has more heavily bolstered and prettier seats with suede inserts. But I like to sit close to the wheel and found that the bolsters (like on some on other vehicles) interfere with my elbows.
I'll probably get it in black, and on the SRT8 that means no contrasting stripes like on the other colors. Besides, we looked at the stripes on our SRT8 test car and they appeared to be decals(!)
Although the SRT8 is better looking and better performing, there's not enough of a distinction to justify the $10K base or $5K optioned-out price discrepancy.
My answer to the Prince of Denmark's original dilemma of R/T or SRT? R/T.
However, the SRT8 is still better looking...
So instead of contemplating suicide like my pal Prince Hamlet, I'll continue to ponder R/T or SRT.
Albert Austria Sr Vehicle Evaluation Engineer @ 8100 miles
(SRT8 with auto trans shown)
jeepsrt says:
10:30 AM, 07/28/09
SRT, But I am biased. I find it hard to believe that the difference in performance is not that large. I have driven and owned a normal Hemi 5.7 and the 6.1 and the difference to me is night and day. I think my next car will be a Challenger SRT8, just waiting for them to out in the 6.4L Hemi.
adavis2493 says:
10:31 AM, 07/28/09
Personally, I don't prefer either. i would rather have a Camaro SS than either of them.
But, if it came down to between the two, I would save a pretty penny and take the R/T.
sabre52270 says:
10:34 AM, 07/28/09
I have to say, something about the R/T draws me to it more than the SRT.
I think its the fact that its $10K cheaper, almost as powerful as the SRT, and let's not forget doesn't have the gas guzzler tax. I know its not a big tax, but still.
Also, I know that I can take that extra $10K I've saved and put in a load of upgrades without feeling I've paid too much for something I will customize anyway (maybe starting with the handling).
Lastly, I know its stupid, but I think the R/T badge looks better than the SRT badge. To me, if your going to make a car your premier model, then the badging should be just as awesome, not 3 dull silver letters.
jeepsrt says:
10:52 AM, 07/28/09
The Camaro SS is nice, but I can't get over the interior,hard plastics and the center console creaked when you put any pressure on it. Also I can overlook a lot in a car i like but I found it to be a joke to see out of, I'm 6'6 and had to tilt my head to get out of the Camaro. Put on some stiffer shocks and more agressive/wider tires on the Challenger and it would be a lot better to drive from what I have read.
sherief says:
10:57 AM, 07/28/09
Whichever doesn't have anesthetic-numb steering.
Oh wait, they all do..
texases says:
11:00 AM, 07/28/09
Why the surprise at the decals? Most all stripes I've seen are stuck-on, not painted on.
indy_mistert says:
11:02 AM, 07/28/09
definitely sticker stripes on the SRT8 - at the indy auto show last winter, I even noticed an air bubble under one of them.
For me, R/T > SRT8...
I'd use the $$ I saved for a few carefully selected mods (would surely start w/ a nice exhaust)
dragonflight says:
11:19 AM, 07/28/09
well the R/T comes with the lifetime warranty too, right? That's an important consideration if you're planning on keeping (and running) this bad boy for a long time.
fuhteng says:
11:32 AM, 07/28/09
Just like with the R/T versus SRT8 versions of the Charger and 300 (or the GT vs GXP for the G8) there just never seems to be the extra power (or performance) that you would assume comes with a 20%+ increase in cost.
However, the extra exclusivity may make it worth it to some people I would assume.
It isn't like this is the 430 vs the 430 Scuderia where you go from a great sports car to a great racing car with silly stripes, for these you go from a powerful RWD car to a... more powerful RWD car with silly stripes.
audisport says:
11:45 AM, 07/28/09
I would take a fully optioned R/T. 6 speed, HID's, 20" wheels... Take the extra money over to Mr. Hennessey.
DCuerpoJr says:
12:18 PM, 07/28/09
I'd get the R/T with the Classic Package. I'd then spend the 7-10k I save from passing up the SRT on a super charger and better brakes.
wasaabi92 says:
12:19 PM, 07/28/09
Mustang GT.
I like the R/T with the stripes and bigger wheels (not the V6 ones like your LT car, UGH!). I guess I'd try to find one with HIDs and a sunroof as well. The lower SRT8 looks odd with the big wheels and lowered, bloated body.
Of course. I'd still take the 'Stang!
indy_mistert says:
12:38 PM, 07/28/09
ooof take it to anyone but hennessey - there sure are some rough stories out there
ahightower says:
12:45 PM, 07/28/09
Get the SRT. Only $5K more, optioned out? People spend that much on sunroofs and DVD players in their dang minivans. Come on... 6.1 liters... you know "enough" is not enough.
firstwagon says:
12:49 PM, 07/28/09
I like the seats in the SRT but otherwise the RT is almost as good for a lot less.
Mad_Science says:
02:06 PM, 07/28/09
New or used?
If new, RT for sure. Dealers have them around, and the 6 speed I want would probably be harder for them to move.
If used, the SRT might have a chance. But as long as we're talking used, my answer is GT500.
hemiorangert says:
02:11 PM, 07/28/09
I would pick the RT but then I am a little biased.
dman says:
02:12 PM, 07/28/09
You would prob only feel the difference in hp over 100 mph is my guess.
hybris says:
04:23 PM, 07/28/09
SRT especially if you are going to mod it then you had better start with the best base possible..
nuieve says:
05:34 PM, 07/28/09
If you go with R/T every time you'll pass a SRT8 you'll be getting that little unpleasant feeling of regret that you could have had a BETTER Challenger.
surfwagon56 says:
06:16 PM, 07/28/09
The SRT might be more exclusive, but as I have found w/ Chrysler products the high end models don't help with resale, they just lose a higher percentage of purchase price.
I'd wait a few years, and if you really like the SRT it will be a couple of thousand dollars more than an equivalent R/T (both used), and about half of current MSRP. And if gas goes back over $4, you'll be able to find quite a bargain!
jerome81 says:
09:31 PM, 07/28/09
The prudent part of me says get the R/T. its really just as good for a lot less money.
However, this is a freakin muscle car, a potential future classic, you HAVE TO get the biggest freakin engine you possibly can.
It doesn't really matter if it isn't that much faster, 6.1L > 5.7L, and SRT > RT.
The SRT is the one to have.
stovt001 says:
11:06 PM, 07/28/09
R/T, and swap in seats from a wrecked SRT. If the brakes are undamaged, swap those too. Then again, it is a Challenger, so anything other than straight line acceleration probably isn't in the cards anyway.
Clearly the better answer is the Camaro SS or the Mustang GT with track package (especially if it gets a new engine). I honestly don't see why people are complaining about the hard dash in the Camaro. It is solid, and with such a stiff structure, I can't imagine it will squeak or rattle much. You don't buy a car like this in order to use the dash as a pillow.
roadburner says:
10:31 AM, 07/29/09
I'll take a Mustang GT with the Track Package.
stingray454 says:
08:55 AM, 07/30/09
SRT - because I always buy my cars fully loaded, and keep them for a long time without regret. If I didn't get the SRT, I know at some point in my ownership, I would regret it. That's just the way I roll.