The 2010 Dodge Challenger is a modern interpretation of the classic American muscle car. The Challenger strikes a perfect balance between retro style and modern technology and design. Unlike the unrefined pony cars of yesteryear, the Challenger features the fuel efficiency, safety, handling, technology and build quality expected in a contemporary coupe. The Challenger is available in three trims: SE, R/T and SRT8. Touring suspension, traction control, stability control, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and power driver's seat are standard equipment on the SE, and the R/T adds performance-tuned suspension and steering, 18-inch alloy wheels, body color spoiler and bright dual exhaust tips.
Challenger Power and Handling
The Challenger SE is powered by a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The R/T's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 features 370 horsepower with the standard 5-speed automatic with sequential shift control, and 375 horsepower with the optional 6-speed manual. The SRT8's 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine is mated to a standard 5-speed automatic with sequential shift control or an optional 6-speed manual, and produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The 2008 Challenger was only available with the SRT8's 6.1-liter V-8. For 2009, the Challenger went mainstream by offering a V-6 and manual transmission option. There's also a reengineered 5.7-liter Hemi with variable valve timing and an expanded multi-displacement system that allows the car to operate on four cylinders when less power is needed. The Challenger has an independent rear suspension. The SRT8 also sports Brembo brakes and a sport-tuned suspension and steering.
2010 Dodge Challenger Design
The Challenger was designed after the 1970 model, and it is unmistakably the Challenger from any angle. It has a broad grille and rear-end treatments. On the inside, the Challenger continues its retro-themed looks with its gauge cluster, black headliner and a slanted shifter console. In manual versions, the shifter features a unique pistol-grip design. Front-seat occupants sit in prominently bolstered seats. The SRT8, the high-performance version of the Dodge Challenger, is visually distinguished by its black hood racing stripes and exclusive leather sport seats with embroidered SRT8 logos and striped inserts. The SRT8 features sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, Brembo brakes, limited slip differential, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, high-intensity headlights, dual hood stripes, heated leather seats, SIRIUS satellite radio, Boston Acoustic sound system, and KeylessGo entry system. Optional equipment includes a multimedia infotainment system with 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system, sunroof, and performance tires.
2010 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang got a redesign for 2010. The Mustang continues as one of the most widely recognized respected and desired nameplates in the automobile business. The 2010 Mustang delivers bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability. The Mustang is available either as a coupe or convertible, and a powertrain choice of a V6 or a V8. For 2010, the V8 receives an increase in power - producing 315-hp for 2010. New for this year, all Mustangs are equipped with standard electronic stability control and LED sequential tail lamps for enhanced safety. The standard aluminum wheels grow in diameter for this year - now 17" and 18". Fresh new sheet metal wraps around an updated interior, giving the icon a more modern look and feel.
Mustang Power and Handling
The 2010 Mustang's base engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 210 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque. The optional 4.6-liter V-8 receives a 15-hp boost for 2010 thanks to a cold-air induction system; it's now rated at 315 hp and 325 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard for both engines, and both are also available with a five-speed automatic. The Mustang is one of the few cars in the U.S. still using a solid rear axle - an outdated design that has a tendency to transfer impacts from one wheel to the other. Rather than installing a modern independent rear suspension along with the rest of the updates to the 2010 Mustang, Ford retained this design.
2010 Ford Mustang Design
The 2010 Ford Mustang features a forward-swept grille like its predecessor, but it has a compressed look and a new power-dome hood. The grille also carries a new Mustang badge, and the front fenders feature smoother styling. At the rear of the Mustang there are a number of changes. The taillights have been restyled - they're much less rectangular than before - and this really changes the appearance of the back of the car. The taillights use LEDs, which illuminate progressively when the turn signal is activated. A variety of wheel designs are available for the Mustang. The base V-6 has standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and can be equipped with optional 18-inch aluminum rims. The V-8-powered GT uses 18-inch aluminum rims but can have 19-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the general cabin layout is similar to the previous model. However, premium materials are found more, including a new soft-touch dashboard surface.
Conclusions
The Dodge Challenger and the Ford Mustang go head to head. They are both extremely capable, affordable, and stylish modern vehicles with a perfect taste of retro design. 2010 Dodge Challenger boasts a distinctive look that attracts a lot of attention and positive comments. The V6-powered Challenger SE comes with a moderate price, while the V8-powered R/T is a good performance value. The SRT8 is the ultimate Challenger. Regardless, the Challenger avoids the compromised rear seat and trunk of most coupes because of its size, and carries its bulk well on the road. For the latest updates on this Dodge model, visit the official Dodge Challenger site. The Mustang remains one of the most widely recognized respected and desired nameplates in the automobile business. It may be retro inspired, but the Mustang is a thoroughly modern car. Today's Mustang delivers bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability that have been Mustang hallmarks for decades. Price wise, the 2010 Dodge Challenger has an MSRP of $22,945 - $41,230, while the Mustang can be found in a price range of $21,395 - $36,395. The Dodge Challenger has a mileage of 17 City / 25 Hwy MPGs; the Ford Mustang is very similar with an mpg of 18 City / 26 Hwy.
