Dodge’s Challenger and Charger are two of the most popular muscle cars on the modern market. The beloved Mopar machines rose to fame with a stable of massive, high-horsepower V8 engines and no shortage of character. Specifically, one of the finest powerplant offerings in the Dodge library is the 6.4L naturally aspirated Hemi V8 engine. If that engine wasn’t enough, both the Scat Pack and SRT 392 pack the 6.4L engine. Now that Dodge is closing the book on the Challenger and Charger, which big-engine-energy platform is the better car? 

What is a Scat Pack engine? 

The Charger and Challenger Scat Pack come from the factory with a 6.4L engine. That engine is a tire-roasting 485-horsepower Apache Hemi V8. Also, the Apache Hemi is naturally aspirated, so throttle response is quick and not reliant on the delay of spooling turbos. The side panels of both Dodge Charger and Challenger Scat Packs are emblazoned with a racing bee and ‘6.4L,’ referring to the engine’s size in liters. 

According to MotorTrend, the terminology ‘Scat Pack’ refers to the storied Mopar muscle cars of the sixties. Specifically, to be considered part of the Scat Pack meant hitting the quarter-mile in less than 15 seconds. That may not seem impressive by today’s standards, but it was blazingly quick by the standards of the day. 

What does SRT mean on a Dodge?

SRT refers to “Street and Racing Technology,” and is reserved for Dodge’s wildest vehicles. It isn’t a recent development and isn’t even specific to Dodge products. Chrysler 300s have worn the badge with the SRT-8 and Jeeps with the SRT-8 and SRT Trackhawks. Also, Mopar aficionados would be saddened if we neglected to mention the Ram SRT-10, a Viper-powered truck with hilarious character. Those are just a few examples of SRT lunacy, and it only gets wilder. 

The SRT 392 is just how it sounds, an SRT version of the Charger and Challenger with a 392 cubic inch engine. While 392 may sound like an entirely different animal, it is the same engine as the 6.4L Apache Hemi V8 in the R/T Scat Pack. 

Which is faster, SRT 392 or Scat Pack?

The SRT 392 is not faster than a Scat Pack, despite wearing the infamous SRT badge. Both cars are powered by the 6.4L naturally aspirated Hemi V8 engine, and both cars produce 485 horsepower. Furthermore, both cars weigh about the same and incorporate the same styling. 

The only real difference between the cars is some of the SRT features that the Scat Pack didn’t offer. Specifically, the SRT 392, like the Hellcat, has SRT performance pages, different interior materials, wheels, and badging throughout. However, in 2018, Dodge discontinued the SRT 392, and the Scat Pack started accommodating many of the SRT’s features as options. 

Which car should you buy?  

Although both cars pack the same old-school, naturally aspirated V8, some differences should guide your decision. If you want higher-quality interior materials and a more sinister badge, you might want to spring for a used SRT 392. However, if you want to save money with options like cloth seats, you can find a used Charger or Challenger Scat Pack. Either way, your neighbors will know you’ve got a beast of a muscle car. 

Unfortunately, the tenure of the R/T Scat Pack, Charger, and Challenger is coming to an end. Dodge will discontinue its flagship coupe and sedan after the 2023 model year. Still, the automaker doesn’t have a reputation for going quietly; it released a series of “Last Call” models to commemorate the two mighty Mopars.

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