2026 Dodge Charger vs. 2025 Ford Mustang: Muscle Goes Two Ways (EV vs. V8)

Hyper-focused take: If you're choosing between the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger and the 2025 Ford Mustang, the real question is how you want your power served-instant-torque electric AWD or classic rear-drive V8 thunder. Let's line them up with verified specs, clear numbers, and local-buyer logic for East Providence shoppers.

 

Powertrains & Straight-Line Speed   

  • Charger Daytona Scat Pack (EV): Rated at 670 hp and 627 lb-ft, with a targeted 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds. It's AWD and-wildly-quicker than the old Hellcat Redeye. MSRP starts around $59,995. That's spicy.   
  • Charger Sixpack (gas): New twin-turbo Hurricane I-6. Sixpack Scat Pack targets ~550 hp / 531 lb-ft (sub-4-sec 0-60). Sixpack R/T targets ~420 hp / 468 lb-ft. Both feature standard AWD with a selectable rear-drive mode.   
  • Mustang GT (V8): 5.0-liter V8 at 480 hp, manual or 10-speed auto. Real talk: it's still the budget brawler of the set.   
  • Mustang Dark Horse (V8): Aimed at track days-500 hp, upgraded cooling and chassis tuning. It's the sharpest Mustang for road courses short of the exotic GTD. 

Bottom line on speed: The Daytona is the 0-60 king; the Dark Horse answers with track stamina and manual fun. The new Sixpack Scat Pack bridges both worlds with ICE drama and near-supercar pace. Kinda hard not to grin, honestly. 

Drivetrain & Daily Traction 

Charger: AWD is standard (EV and Sixpack), with a driver-selectable RWD mode for burnouts and playful balance. In New England weather, that's a practical win. Mustang: traditional rear-drive layout; great for feel, but winter asks for snow tires and caution.

Range, Sound, and Feel   

  • Daytona EV: Published ranges: R/T up to 308 miles, Scat Pack up to 241 miles. Over-the-air updates, instant torque, and a synthesizer for that muscle soundtrack vibe.   
  • Sixpack ICE: Real exhaust, real shifts (auto), and a meaty inline-six punch; less range anxiety, quick refuel stops, more classic road-trip rhythm.   
  • Mustang GT/Dark Horse: Manual gearbox available, linear V8 build, and that unmistakable Coyote bark. If heel-toe downshifts make you happy, say no more.

Technology & Price Positioning 

Charger Daytona Scat Pack: From ~$59,995 with AWD and 670 hp (that's wild value per 0-60). Sixpack R/T: targets low-$50Ks; Sixpack Scat Pack: high-$50Ks. Mustang: GT is typically less expensive than a Daytona, the Dark Horse pushes near premium territory with track-grade upgrades.

 

Which One Fits You?   

  • You want the quickest stoplight hero with all-weather grip: Charger Daytona (EV).
    •    
  • You want ICE drama, AWD traction, and modern turbo thrust: Charger Sixpack.
    •    
  • You want a manual V8 and track-tuned handling: Mustang Dark Horse; GT if you're value-minded. 

Talk With Elmwood CDJR 

We'll walk you through trim availability, incentives, charging options, and trade values. No fluff-just numbers, seat time, and a road that's calling.

References & Data Links