When you want a well-muscled sports car, the Ford Mustang is usually one of the first cars that comes to mind. However, in the list of the most iconic American muscle cars, there are a few powerful and popular rivals. One of the Mustang’s biggest (figuratively and literally) competitors is the Challenger. If you’re trying to decide between a 2022 Ford Mustang and a 2022 Dodge Challenger, read on for four reasons why the Mustang comes out on top.
The 2022 Ford Mustang is cheaper than the 2022 Dodge Challenger
If you’re shopping on a healthy budget, price may not be at the top of your list of priorities. But if you’re in doubt between one sports car or the other, a few thousand dollars can make all the difference. The affordable 2022 Ford Mustang starts at $27,205 for the base model, while the 2022 Dodge Challenger starts at $30,825.
The Mustang is one of the best sports cars under $30,000. This may be why the Mustang outsold the Challenger and is considered one of the best-selling muscle cars.
On their higher trim levels, the Mustang is still more affordable. A fully loaded 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 costs around $72,900, while a fully loaded 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock costs between $84,000 and $86,000 for a premium performance car.
The Ford Mustang handles better than the Dodge Challenger
As one of the best sports cars out there, the 2022 Ford Mustang has incredible driving characteristics. According to US News, “The Mustang manages the best blend of handling and ride quality, the balance of which changes with different trim and option packages.”
The heavier Challenger may have a smooth ride, but it has a harder time cornering than the Mustang. The base 2022 Mustang is slightly more powerful than the base 2022 Challenger, and the top-of-the-line Mustang Shelby GT500 has 760 horsepower compared to the Challenger Hellcat’s 717 horsepower.
The 2022 Mustang is more fuel efficient than the 2022 Challenger
Who isn’t talking about gas and gas prices? Unless you’re lucky enough to have a whole bunch of cars, you’re probably going to look at the fuel economy figures for your next sports car. Both muscle cars are relatively efficient for their size and power, but the 2022 Mustang tackles this competition.
The most fuel-efficient model of the 2022 Ford Mustang range runs on a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is good for up to 32 mpg on the highway. Even the most fuel-hungry 2022 Dodge Challenger will only give you 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg.
The 2022 Ford Mustang is safer than the 2022 Dodge Challenger
US News points out that both the Mustang and Challenger can be equipped with a variety of modern safety and driver assistance systems, but they are not the same when it comes to safety.
The 2022 Ford Mustang scored the best in its crash tests, with a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Dodge Challenger had poorer rollover resistance and frontal crash safety ratings.
By ratings alone, the Mustang is the safest muscle car. Real life speaks for itself here though: the Mustang isn’t exactly known for not causing accidents.
With all this in mind, choose the Mustang over the Challenger
The 2022 Ford Mustang is more affordable, more fuel efficient, better to drive and can keep you safer in an accident. The 2022 Dodge Challenger does offer some cool features and an iconic design. In general, however, the Mustang is the better choice.
A possible additional reason to choose the Mustang: Dodge gives the Challenger the ax after 2023. Chances are the company doesn’t want to put so much effort into the last few models. The Ford Mustang, meanwhile, is here for the long haul.
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