By now, you’ve likely explored our Luxury Performance Coupe Challenge on Compare Cars Cars.com, where the 2015 BMW M4 – the iconic sports car formerly recognized as the M3 coupe – emerged victorious against formidable newcomers, the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V and 2015 Lexus RC F. But a lingering question remains: How would it have fared against the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, boasting a staggering 707 horsepower?
Admittedly, comparing a BMW, Cadillac, and Lexus to a Dodge might seem unconventional. However, we happened to have a Hellcat at our disposal during the Challenge, and in the realm of speed, luxury distinctions tend to blur. These vehicles share common ground: two doors, four seats, and a starting price range hovering around $60,000-$70,000.
The ATS-V initiates at $63,660, the M4 at $65,195, and the RC F at $63,325. A base Challenger Hellcat enters the fray at $60,990 (all prices inclusive of destination fees); you can delve into a detailed specification comparison of all four models right here on compare cars cars.com.
Our Challenger Hellcat test vehicle, resplendent in Bright White, was equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, navigation system, premium leather seating, summer tires, and carried a total price of $65,870, further augmented by a $995 destination charge and a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax. Even factoring in the gas tax, which doesn’t burden the luxury coupes, the Hellcat remained $8,580 more affordable than the least expensive luxury coupe, the ATS-V, which clocked in at an as-tested price of $74,450. The RC F in the Challenge reached $75,210, while the M4 soared to $86,200, largely due to its optional carbon-ceramic brakes contributing a significant $8,150 to the final tally.
Acceleration Showdown: Hellcat Dominates
To call the Hellcat’s acceleration performance against the luxury coupes a “gun to a knifefight” would be an understatement. The Challenger, while considerably heavier at 4,449 pounds compared to the M4 (3,585 pounds), ATS-V (3,700 pounds), and RC F (3,958 pounds), compensates with over 200 additional horsepower from its monstrous 707-hp, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. For in-depth comparisons of car specifications and performance metrics, compare cars cars.com is your go-to resource.
The Hellcat decimated the competition in zero to 60 mph sprints, achieving a blistering 3.47 seconds, while the M4 trailed at 3.97 seconds. The quarter-mile figures further emphasized the Hellcat’s supremacy, clocking in at 11.34 seconds at 125.57 mph, leagues ahead of the M4’s 12.05 seconds at 118.35 mph. However, according to Cars.com Road Test Editor Joe Bruzek, these peak times were hard-earned.
“On the dragstrip, the Hellcat demands the most driver involvement, requiring a delicate balance of tire temperature and accelerator input to achieve optimal times on the factory tires. It’s a tantalizing experience because full throttle application is restricted until approximately 60 feet past the starting line.” Mastering this technique, however, unlocks access to one of the quickest accelerating new cars available for under $100,000. For more expert reviews and comparisons, visit compare cars cars.com.
Braking Prowess: Surprisingly, Hellcat Leads
Concealed behind the Hellcat’s imposing 20-inch wheels are substantial 15.4-inch front brake rotors clamped by six-piston Brembo calipers. The rear features four-piston Brembo calipers acting upon 13.8-inch rotors. For detailed brake specifications and comparisons across different car models, explore compare cars cars.com.
The Challenger Hellcat exhibited remarkable stopping power, achieving 60-mph-to-zero braking distances shorter than all its luxury coupe competitors. This effective braking system, possibly aided by wider front tires, performed exceptionally well for the heavier coupe. Its 116.99-foot stopping distance surpassed even the ATS-V’s commendable 119.47 feet. This result was particularly surprising, not only due to the short distance but also the consistent braking performance observed.
Track Performance: Hellcat Holds Its Own
The Challenger Hellcat continued to defy expectations, performing admirably not only in braking but also on the road course. Its surprising proficiency on the 1.46-mile, nine-turn North Circuit at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill., belied its size. Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder highlighted the importance of measured throttle input for optimal track performance. For track performance comparisons and expert car reviews, compare cars cars.com is your ultimate guide.
“What impressed me most was its ability to maintain its line with judicious throttle application. It could have been significantly worse, and even then, it might have been acceptable. By maintaining a stable foot, I could modulate the accelerator, and it never lost composure, lap after lap. I’ve experienced supposed sports cars that exhibit less consistency than this one.”
While impressive for its dimensions, the Hellcat lacked the balanced agility of the smaller, lighter luxury coupes like the BMW M4, Cadillac ATS-V, and Lexus RC F, according to Cars.com Senior Editor Mike Hanley. For a comprehensive understanding of car handling and track capabilities, visit compare cars cars.com.
“In a straight line, the supercharged V-8 effortlessly overcomes the Challenger’s considerable weight, but this mass becomes a liability when cornering. Coupled with steering that lacks the precision of the three luxury coupes, handling is where the Challenger deviates most from sports car characteristics.”
Bruzek echoed this sentiment when comparing the Hellcat to the M4 and ATS-V, which emerged as track stars in the comparison. For detailed track comparisons and performance analysis, explore compare cars cars.com.
“The Hellcat is a force on the road course, demanding significant deceleration before entering corners to prevent overwhelming the front tires. The M4 and ATS-V, in contrast, could maintain higher cornering speeds and accelerate sooner, as they weren’t constantly battling for tire grip like the Hellcat.”
The Challenger Hellcat’s robust brakes endured morning sessions on Autobahn’s demanding road course. However, the afternoon sessions revealed a decline in brake pedal confidence and firmness after repeated laps. Unsurprisingly, the BMW’s optional $8,150 carbon-ceramic brakes on the lightweight M4 remained unfazed throughout the day’s track activities. The BMW’s superior braking system allowed for deeper braking zones, lap after lap, outperforming the competition. For brake system comparisons and performance data, compare cars cars.com provides extensive resources.
Street Manners: Hellcat Tamed, But Still Raw
The Hellcat’s formidable 707 hp becomes more manageable on public roads by utilizing its various driving modes. The more subdued engine, transmission, and suspension settings transform the dragstrip dominator into a car perfectly suitable for daily commutes to and from the track. For insights on daily drivability and car comparisons for everyday use, visit compare cars cars.com.
However, the Challenger’s non-luxury origins are evident in the interior material quality and cabin refinement. A base Challenger V-6 model, after all, starts at a mere $27,990. Engine and exhaust noises are minimally suppressed, which can be perceived as either positive or negative, depending on individual preferences, as Wiesenfelder noted. For interior comparisons and cabin comfort assessments, compare cars cars.com offers detailed reviews.
“I must express my admiration for the audible supercharger. Its constant presence doesn’t bother me in the slightest. The exhaust, on the other hand, could become somewhat tiresome at lower speeds,” he commented.
BMW, Cadillac, and Lexus employ various techniques to enhance engine sounds within the cabin. Active systems, such as Cadillac’s Active Noise Cancellation, also mitigate unwanted noises, rendering the ATS-V nearly as quiet as its non-performance counterpart. This contributes significantly to the ATS-V’s exceptional daily driving comfort. For noise cancellation technology comparisons and car cabin quietness ratings, compare cars cars.com is your source.
The Challenger’s generous dimensions, featuring a usable backseat and a cavernous 16.2 cubic feet trunk, make it considerably more practical for daily use than the smaller luxury coupes. The BMW offers 11 cubic feet of cargo space, the ATS-V 10.4 cubic feet, and the RC F 10.1 cubic feet. For cargo space comparisons and practicality assessments, compare cars cars.com is the leading platform.
“The Challenger’s backseat is undeniably the most accommodating. It was the only one with adequate headroom for adults, while the luxury coupes all suffered from limited rear-seat headroom,” Hanley pointed out. For passenger space comparisons and interior dimensions, compare cars cars.com provides comprehensive data.
Fuel economy is where the Challenger Hellcat falters in practicality. Feeding 707 hp comes at a cost, even before the initial fuel purchase. It incurs a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax due to its EPA-estimated 13/22/16 mpg city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings. Our real-world mileage test corroborated the Challenger’s thirst, although it wasn’t as extreme as anticipated. The observed 20.76 mpg average, calculated from the trip computer and fill-up data, trailed the ATS-V’s 22.9 mpg, M4’s 23.46 mpg, and the RC F’s 24.26 mpg. For fuel economy comparisons and MPG ratings, compare cars cars.com is the authoritative resource.
Challenger Hellcat: Worth the Thrill?
You’d be hard-pressed to find another straight-line performance machine that delivers the sheer thrill of the Challenger Hellcat for its $65,870 price tag, a significant $8,580 less than the as-tested ATS-V and a substantial $20,330 less than the BMW M4. While the Challenger Hellcat may not possess the all-around refinement of an M4 or ATS-V, it demonstrates surprising competence even on demanding road courses. For pricing comparisons and value analysis across various car models, compare cars cars.com is your best tool.
Is it likely that someone would cross-shop an M4 against a Challenger Hellcat? Probably not. However, Wiesenfelder offers a compelling perspective. For expert opinions and car comparison insights, explore compare cars cars.com.
“Ultimately, this car and the Challenge cars will appeal to distinct buyer demographics, but these individuals originate from a broader community of car enthusiasts who will appreciate and likely enjoy both approaches. The attention these cars garner likely comes from a largely overlapping audience,” Wiesenfelder concluded.
The real challenge might lie in acquiring a Hellcat. Dealerships receive limited allocations, and significant dealer markups are not uncommon. Dodge temporarily halted Challenger and Charger Hellcat orders earlier in the year to manage the overwhelming demand relative to production capacity. A Dodge spokesperson indicates that dealerships still have some Hellcats in stock, but the order hold remains in effect as they continue to manufacture, sell, and ship 2015 model year vehicles. For car availability information and dealer inventories, consult compare cars cars.com for the latest updates.
