Dodge Challenger V6 vs. V8 – Everything You Should Know

Fast, reliable, and equipped – three very accurate adjectives that match both cars – V6 and a V8 Dodge Challenger. 

But, if you go in-depth about the differences between these two cars, you can add more adjectives to the equation. 

In this article, you will find out the mentioned differences in a good old duel. In each chapter, one car will be the winner and receive two points. At the end of the race, the car with the most points will win. 

Dodge Challenger V6 Profile

The Dodge Challenger is a fantastic vehicle. Its engine lineup rivals almost every other major vehicle, and every detail of its design is pure gold. 

The 2022 Dodge Challenger is a blast from the past, not just in terms of design but also in terms of some of its variants being thrilling. The entry-level V-6 variant is the most affordable way to join the Challenger’s muscle car brotherhood.

The only two-door muscle car with all-wheel drive is the Dodge Challenger V6.

The Challenger, for example, is larger and less athletic than the Ford Mustang. However, it offers a smoother ride and more comfortable passenger accommodations. The Challenger offers a level of practicality that no other sports vehicle can match. 

The V6 has an adult-friendly back seat and best-in-class trunk capacity. Also, the infotainment functions are simple to use. 

All in all, it’s an amazing car with amazing extras. 

Dodge Challenger V8 Profile

The Dodge Challenger V8 has a powerful engine, plenty of passenger space, and trunk space. It also possesses intuitive electronics, which makes this car even more extraordinary. 

The 2021 Dodge Challenger is said to compete with the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang in history. But, reality says it has a whole different personality. 

While all three American muscle cars feature high-powered V-8 engines, the way they drive is vastly different. The Dodge is more suited for easy driving than the Chevy and Ford, with a crescendoing V-8 exhaust tone always ready on order.

It has unbelievable acceleration, middling cabin quality (and design), and more. 

The V8 offers a lot more than the features listed above!

Keep reading for the juicy details. 

Duel Between the V6 & V8 

To have a fair fight, first, we need to come up with the rules. 

Both cars will compete in 4 separate categories. The vehicle can win up to 2 points per chapter or one point if they are equally good in the specific category. 

The categories are: 

1. Engine
2. Sound
3. Appearance & Body
4. Extras

In the end, you will see the points for each car, and then we will declare the winner!

First Match: Engine

Dodge Challenger V6 is making the first move:

• Engine:  3.6L Pentastar® V6
• Horsepower: 305
• Torque: 268 lb.-ft.
• 0-60 in seconds: 6,5 

But then the Challenger V8 strikes back:

• Engine:  5.7L V8 HEMI®
• Horsepower: 375
• Torque: 410 lb.-ft. 
• 0-60 in seconds: 5,3

Now, we need a break. Let’s calculate the points.

The winner of the Engine category is clearly Dodge Challenger V8. +Two points for V8.

But this is not over!

Second Match: Sound 

The car’s sound is one of the most popular topics in the car community! Then you can only imagine how vital the sound is on V6 and V8 models. 

So, what do people say about the sound the V6 makes? 

For starters, it’s a lighter sound, lighter than the one you hear in the V8 models. The sound of the V6 is more regulated, making it a fantastic choice if you don’t want a harsh environment. 

Here is a YouTube video of a Dodge Challenger V6 SXT. Listen carefully! It is a lovely sound; we’ll give him that!

And, what about the V8?

Well, the V8 engines are something entirely different. For starters, their exhaust sound is more profound. According to many individuals, the V8 has the most pleasing sound, which comes in as a roar.

Here is a YouTube video of a Hemi Dodge Challenger 5.7 liter V8. So now we understand what those individuals have been saying. 

The winner of the SOUND category is our one and only – Mr. Dodge Challenger V8. Its sound is unbeatable. 

Third Match: Appearance & Body

We will describe appearance through exterior and interior dimensions. Also, the critical part of the appearance is the characteristics of the cargo dimensions and the car’s weight. 

Both cars have the same body type: a 2-door notchback coupe.

Dodge Challenger V6 rested enough from the previous match and it is now ready to fight again!

Dodge Challenger V6

Exterior dimensions:

•  Wheelbase (inches): 116.2
•  Length (inches): 197.9
•  Width, without mirrors (inches): 75.7
•  Height (inches): 58.4

Interior dimensions:

•  Passenger / Seating Capacity: 5
•  Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet): 93.9
•  Front Leg Room (inches): 42
•  Second Row Leg Room (inches): 33.1
• Trunk Space (cubic feet): 16.2
• Base Curb Weight (pounds): 4088

But now the V8 wants to fight back! Let’s leave room for the next contestant!

Dodge Challenger V8

Exterior dimensions:

•  Wheelbase (inches): 116.2
•  Length (inches): 197.9
•  Width, without mirrors (inches): 75.7
•  Height (inches): 57.7

Interior dimensions:

•  Passenger / Seating Capacity: 5
•  Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet): 93.9
•  Front Leg Room (inches): 42
•  Second Row Leg Room (inches): 33.1
•  Trunk Space (cubic feet): 16.2
•  Base Curb Weight (pounds): 4182

If we take a close look, we can see that these two cars are the same. Of course, there are some differences, like in height and weight, where the V8 vehicle wins, but these differences are minor. 

So, can we, and how can we choose a winner for the Appearance and Body category? 

We won’t! That is why we have a 2-point scale. So, one point goes for the V6, and one for the V8!

Fourth Match: Extras

These divine sports cars come with so much! The list below for each vehicle is not complete, but it’s the most important part based on our opinion. Also, these are mechanical characteristics.

Before we get into the things that one car has, and the other one doesn’t, we first made a list stating what these cars have in common in this category. 

The list of the mechanical characteristics that both cars have: 

• Four-wheel disc brakes with a four-wheel ABS, brake assist, hill hold control 
• Multilink back suspension with coil springs 
• Short, long front suspension with coil springs 
• Dual Stainless Steel Exhaust w/Chrome Tailpipe Finisher 
• Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering 
• Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars 
• Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers 

Now we can talk about the differences. Let’s start with our usual starter fighter, Mr. Dodge Challenger V6.

• Automatic Full-Time All-Wheel 
• Engine Oil Cooler 

V8 might offer more, but let’s see.

• Mechanical Limited Slip Differential 
• Touring Suspension 
• Rear-Wheel Drive 

We can see who the winner is – the V8 showed off better! +Two points for V8 Dodge Challenger. 

Conclusion – The Winner is… (h2) 

It was a tight fight and both contestants fought hard, but we have a clear winner… The Dodge Challenger V8!

The V8 showed some remarkable features. Here is the score table!

Category	Dodge Challenger V6	Dodge Challenger V8
Engine	❌	✔️ +2
Sound	❌	✔️ +2
Appearance & Body	✔️ +1	✔️ +1
Extras	❌	✔️ +2

• V6 points: 1
• V8 points: 7

Even though the V6 is an amazing car, the V8 comes up on top! Congratulations!

FAQ: For whom is which model suitable?

How can you choose the perfect solution for your needs with such small differences between the two?

Here are some of the main points you should think about when buying: 

1. Price – The Dodge V8 is, of course, more expensive. The difference is not that big, but it’s there. So, if you need a Dodge Challenger but don’t have the extra thousands of dollars, the V6 is for you. 

2. Type – The V8 model is a muscle car. What does that mean? It is an American-made, two-door sports coupe with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving. If you don’t need a too strong car, opt for a V6. 

This is a “fun” car, so you have to try them both to see what you like. The best advice out there is a test drive. 

Hopefully, this helped you form an opinion on the cars, and don’t forget to have a lot of fun if you buy one or already have one!