Went to the dark side
1/26/13, 11:15 AM
#1
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Went to the dark side
After lusting after a Challenger RT classic for years now, I finally got one. It's a 2013 6-speed manual RT classic in Redline clearcoat metallic.
I have to say that while this car is more on par performance wise with my 06 GT (when stock), it really pushes all the right emotional buttons with me. I just cannot get over what an amazing job Dodge did on the styling.
The car rides very nicely , is roomy, and feels very solid and well built. The interior is not going to win any awards for style, but by the same token, it's not at all bad either. Material quality is acceptable, and ergonomically everything works and flows well. Seats are very comfortable.
The 5.7 is rated at 375hp, and they tend to put down around 335-340 at the wheels. In all reality they are somewhere in the 13.5-14.0 category, which as we all know is nothing near my previous 12 GT. However, that's where the aftermarket comes in.
I just added Cragar SS wheels...still waiting for Cragar to send me center caps! Anyway, love the RT, and it's a keeper.
I have to say that while this car is more on par performance wise with my 06 GT (when stock), it really pushes all the right emotional buttons with me. I just cannot get over what an amazing job Dodge did on the styling.
The car rides very nicely , is roomy, and feels very solid and well built. The interior is not going to win any awards for style, but by the same token, it's not at all bad either. Material quality is acceptable, and ergonomically everything works and flows well. Seats are very comfortable.
The 5.7 is rated at 375hp, and they tend to put down around 335-340 at the wheels. In all reality they are somewhere in the 13.5-14.0 category, which as we all know is nothing near my previous 12 GT. However, that's where the aftermarket comes in.
I just added Cragar SS wheels...still waiting for Cragar to send me center caps! Anyway, love the RT, and it's a keeper.
1/26/13, 11:23 AM
#2
Bullitt Member
Nice choice. I traded my '06 GT for my '10 Challenger RT Classic, and I have to say the same as far as stock performance. Slapped a tune, a CAI, and a catback, really woke the car up. The R/T(after some mods at least) really isn't as sluggish as many people make it out to be. I was impressed by how much more comfortable and roomy the interior is vs my '06, and the ride is incredible also. Anywho, enjoy your new ride, definitely the best looking of the modern pony cars!
1/26/13, 05:41 PM
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I love the Challenger but it isn't the same kind of car. Personally it reminds me of a 90s Thunderbird. Obviously the Challenger is a better car in every way but the large coupe segment is small to say the least.
1/26/13, 06:54 PM
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I agree with everything said about the hemi challenger r/t. It is roomy and comfortable and well built. I went the opposite way, sold my 2010 r/t with six speed to get a 2012 mustang gt. It is like comparing apples and oranges, a ponycar (sports) vs a muscle car, but they are both excellent choices. I just find the mustang infinitely easier to drive although less comfortable on the highway than the challenger, plus it's much quicker and handles better. And the challenger is sure to appreciate in value as people LOVE that car. Imagine the reaction if Chrysler actually builds an SRT Barracuda. Now that will be something.
1/26/13, 09:18 PM
#10
Congrats OP! Pics, you tease!
Last edited by wheelman; 1/26/13 at 09:20 PM.
1/27/13, 08:19 AM
#13
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Ultimately the lack of aftermarket support is what made me ditch the 09 SRT8 that I had. The parts that were available were few and expensive compared to the Mustang aftermarket.
1/27/13, 08:45 AM
#14
Yeah, thats why Im in a GT b/c I only have one fun car, but Id keep an SRT8 all stock & keep modding out the stang. Theres a black on black SRT8 & a black/blue R/T in my area and I drool over them every time I see em. So sexy but I test drove the R/T & know I wouldnt be happy without the SRT8s power.
1/27/13, 09:40 AM
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Ford had the same problem with the 2V 4.6 if you look at the aftermarket for these cars there really isn't much out there. I think Chrysler needs to open up to these manufacturers like Ford did with the 2005 mustang. I remember a huge selection of aftermarket parts for the 05 right when they reached showrooms.
1/27/13, 10:01 AM
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1/27/13, 10:12 AM
#18
Bullitt Member
Amen! Switching from the Stang to the Challenger was a helluva culture shock. Alot of the parts for this car are more expensive than they should be, and there's not really too many GOOD places to purchase parts from...I went from sites like AmericanMuscle.com with their free/fast shipping, reasonable prices, wide variety of products, bama tunes w/free tunes for life, and outstanding customer support to....Shophemi.com? Sucks.
1/27/13, 01:19 PM
#19
Legacy TMS Member
I should add too that the Challenger is a great car, if I didn't have a constant case of mod bug then I'd still have it.
I bought most of my parts for it off challenger talk.com classifieds forum. If you are patient you can get great deals on used parts from fellow forum members.
I bought most of my parts for it off challenger talk.com classifieds forum. If you are patient you can get great deals on used parts from fellow forum members.
Last edited by tom281; 1/27/13 at 01:21 PM.
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