Dodge is closing the book on the Challenger after nearly 20 years on the LC and LA platforms. However, before the mighty Mopar powers-that-be end the Challenger lineage, fans enjoyed an R/T Scat Pack with as much as 485 horsepower and a selection of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions. Still, even with near-as-makes-no-difference 500 ponies under the hood, the Challenger isn’t alone in the muscle coupe segment; the 2023 Ford Mustang GT refuses to cede any ground to the Dodge Challenger. So, which modern muscle car wins on paper?

How much power does a Mustang GT 5.0 have?

The current and final S550 Ford Mustang GT, the 2023 model, produces 450 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8 engine. The next generation of Mustang, the S650, will carry over the same Coyote mill, albeit with higher horsepower figures. 

Of course, the 2023 GT, like previous model years, isn’t at the top of the Mustang food chain. The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the razor-sharp tippy top of Mustang Mountain, packing a 480-horsepower 5.0L V8 and track-ready hand-me-downs from the Shelby GT350 and GT500. 

However, even with 480 ponies under the hood, the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack outmuscles the Mach 1 by five horsepower (hardly a brag). Still, the Mopar brute produces 65 lb-ft of torque more than the V8-powered Ford pony car. Of course, the 6.4L Challenger needs the extra torque to launch its considerable girth. 

Is a Scat Pack faster than a Mustang GT?

Unfortunately for Mopar fans, the top-of-the-line N/A Challenger, the R/T Scat Pack, can’t keep pace with the 2023 Ford Mustang GT. The 450-horsepower Mustang GT with a 10-speed automatic transmission is good for a 4.0-second sprint to 60 mph on its way to a 12.1-second quarter mile. 

In Car and Driver testing, the 6.4L Challenger Coupe requires 4.2 seconds and 12.5 seconds to hit 60 mph and finish the quarter mile, respectively. Despite the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s extra muscle, traction limitations and the model’s considerable weight keep it from a sub-4.0-second sprint to 60 mph. Moreover, the extra width of the Widebody bloats the Challenger further.

Is the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack being discontinued?

Although the Ford Mustang GT lives on into the nameplate’s seventh generation, the 2023 Dodge Challenger will be the final model year of the gas-powered LA-platform Challenger. That means the R/T, Scat Pack, and Hellcat models will also disappear, barring some electrified reboot. 

Which modern muscle machine would you take? Share your thoughts in the comments below!