Battle of American Muscle: The Hellcat vs. Corvette
Jane Lu
· 3 min read
One of the most iconic muscle car brands around is
Dodge
. There are even Dodge car memes. Corvettes are also iconic for being sleek and sporty. Chevy recently came out with the 2020 C8 Corvette, a fast car with a lot of horsepower. The 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat is also fast and powerful.
However, they still have different appeals. Here’s a breakdown of their differences to help you decide which sporty car is for you.
Hellcat vs. Corvette drivetrain and power
The big draw for a performance car buyer is power.
Top Speed
reported that the C8 Corvette produces 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.This is compared to the Charger Hellcat Redeye's 707 horsepower.
DrivingLine
said the Hellcat with a Hemi V-8 has 717 horsepower.The new Hellcat gets its power from an intercooled 6.2-liter V-8 engine. It has 650 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. However, the Hellcat's muscular body weighs 4,586 pounds. The Corvette is only 3,366 pounds.
The Corvette comes with a 6.2-liter LT2 V-8 engine. This and the Z51 bundle of an electronic limited-slip differential, tweaked suspension, and grippy tires make the Corvette really fast.
In a race, the Corvette beat the Hellcat when starting from a standstill. The two cars were about even when they both started at 40 mph and in quarter-mile times.
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Braking and handling
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The Corvette's lightness makes it better at braking and handling. However, it is a two-seater with a tight cockpit.
The Challenger Hellcat has a full-size trunk and a comfortable backseat that could fit most adults. It has a classic front-engine, rear-drive layout.
While the Hellcat is fully a muscle car, the Corvette leans more toward being a sports car. The Corvette has more modern technology and a mid-engine layout.
The Corvette has precise steering and a well-balanced chassis that help you stay safe at top speeds. It also has a more aerodynamic design and excellent suspension even without the Z51 additions.
The Hellcat's dashboard has a more old-fashioned look with dial indicators. The Corvette's indicators are digital.
The Corvette only comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The Hellcat can be bought with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Price comparison
MORE: Pros and Cons of Owning a Sports Car
The C8 Corvette and the Challenger Hellcat start at $60,000 or so.
However, the Corvette really needs the Z51 performance package, and that is an additional $5,000. When you add a few more options, the price for a basic 1LT model is around $70,000.
The Corvette is new to the market, so there aren't any discounts available, and the listing prices on the internet can add anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000.
Dodge gives factory incentives, and the Hellcat has been around for a bit. This means that it is possible to find one that is $10,000 cheaper than the MSRP.
They both have good dollar-to-performance ratios. You get a lot of power from your Hellcat and a lot of speed from your Corvette for the money you pay.
If you’re planning to invest in a fun sports car, you will need to insure it.
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