Dodge Hellcat vs Scat Pack: Which is Best?

Let's give it up for the powerhouse that is Dodge! It has been flexing its muscles in the muscle car market for years, and with icons like the Charger and Challenger, it's easy to see why. Unfortunately, both of these legendary cars are reaching the end of the road, but don't despair - Dodge is shifting gears and getting ready to unleash electric versions of these beasts! But before we jump ahead to the future, let's take a moment to appreciate the current lineup of the Challenger, which is still one mighty machine, thanks to Dodge's impressive powertrain and design options.

Now, when it comes to the Dodge Challenger, there are many different trims available to cater to a wide range of gearheads. But let's not beat around the bush - the Hellcat is the ultimate version of this muscle car. However, don't count out the Scat Pack Challenger, which is still a force to be reckoned with and packs a serious punch compared to the more standard trims of the car.

We understand if you're a bit torn between the two because both the Hellcat and Scat Pack Challenger are equally impressive and offer plenty of pros. Below are our top 3 reasons why we love the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and 3 reasons why we might just prefer the Scat Pack instead. Which one of these cars would you want to be your daily driver?

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1. Hellcat: More Power to the People

Let's start with what really matters in a muscle car: power. The Hellcat boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces a whopping 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power to launch this beast from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of over 200 mph. Meanwhile, the Scat Pack has a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 engine that churns out 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. While it may not be as powerful as the Hellcat, the Scat Pack is still a force to be reckoned with, boasting a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 182 mph.

Picture this: you're behind the wheel of a Hellcat, one of the baddest muscle cars out there. You stomp your right foot, and before you know it, you're hurtling down the road like you're strapped to a jetpack. The acceleration is so intense that you wonder if this car can bend the laws of physics to its will. With over 200 extra horses under the hood compared to the Scat Pack Widebody, the Redeye is a real powerhouse that leaves other sports cars in the dust.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and driving the Redeye requires a different approach than your average muscle car. On the track, the Hellcat's 717hp can be both a blessing and a curse, as you feel like you're managing the car more than driving it. You need to stay one step ahead of the power curve, which is a full-time job. Braking zones need to be redialled to cope with the Challenger's insane speed, and you'll need to rethink how you approach certain corners.

This car will gallop down the straights with ease, but you need to be careful not to let its unbridled forward momentum get the best of you. So, while the Hellcat may be a beast on the open road, it requires a driver who is up to the challenge. And now the end of the evolution is in the Last Call: Dodge Demon 170 that will have a ridiculous 1025hp.

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2. Scat Pack: The Best Budget Speed Demon

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While the Hellcat may steal the spotlight with its awe-inspiring power, the Scat Pack trim levels offer an appealing alternative for enthusiasts seeking a more affordable option. The 6.4-liter V8 engine in the Scat Pack provides a thrilling driving experience that is still more than capable of satisfying the hunger for speed. Additionally, with the option to upgrade the Scat Pack with features like SRT suspension and a widebody kit, it can bridge the performance gap and rival the Hellcat in various areas. This allows enthusiasts to experience the excitement of American muscle without breaking the bank.

It's no secret that these high-performance cars come with a hefty price tag. The Hellcat, with its additional power and features, is the more expensive of the two, with a starting price of around $65,000. The Scat Pack, on the other hand, is a more affordable option, with a starting price of around $41,000. While the Hellcat is certainly the more powerful car, you'll have to decide if the extra money is worth it for the additional features. This horsepower monster is still a highly drivable car that you could use daily for your everyday life.

While the Hellcat is certainly an impressive piece of machinery, with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that churns out a mind-boggling 717 horsepower, it's also a pricey one. The starting price of a Hellcat is around $60,000, and if you start adding on options and packages, you can quickly find yourself north of $80,000.

On the other hand, the Scat Pack, while not quite as powerful as the Hellcat, is still no slouch. It's equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 engine that puts out a very respectable 485 horsepower, and it starts at around $40,000 - a full $20,000 less than the Hellcat.

But it's not just the initial price tag that makes the Scat Pack a better value - it's the overall cost of ownership. With its larger, more powerful engine, the Hellcat requires more maintenance, and it can also be more expensive to add car insurance. And let's not forget about the fuel economy - the Hellcat's thirst for gasoline is legendary, and it's not unusual to see single-digit MPG figures when driving it hard. The Scat Pack, while not exactly frugal, is a bit more reasonable in this department, and it won't cost you as much at the pump.

3. Hellcat: The More Aggressive Style

Let's face it, when it comes to muscle cars, looks are important. And both the Hellcat and Scat Pack are certainly eye-catching cars. The Hellcat has a more aggressive and aerodynamic design, with its distinct front splitter and air intakes, while the Scat Pack has a more classic muscle car look. The Hellcat also comes with a wider range of exterior color options, including some eye-catching options like "Go Mango" and "Sinamon Stick." The Scat Pack, while not as flashy, still looks impressive with its signature "Bumblebee" stripe and retro-style wheels.

Both the Hellcat and Scatpack share the iconic retro-inspired design that pays homage to the classic Challengers of yesteryear. These muscle cars are instantly recognizable, commanding attention with their bold lines, muscular contours, and menacing grilles. However, a closer look reveals subtle distinctions:

• The Hellcat boasts a more aggressive stance with its larger air intakes, a functional hood scoop, and distinctive Hellcat badging, signaling its top-tier performance credentials.
• The Scatpack, on the other hand, sports a slightly toned-down demeanor, yet still exudes a powerful presence with its prominent grille, widebody options, and Scatpack bee emblem.

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4. Scat Pack: Is The Better Daily Driver

One important factor to consider when choosing between the Hellcat and Scat Pack is how you plan to use the car. If you're looking for a daily driver that's also a high-performance machine, the Scat Pack might be the better choice. It's more affordable, more fuel-efficient, and easier to handle for everyday driving. On the other hand, if you're looking for a car that's strictly for weekend cruising or track days, the Hellcat's additional power and performance features might be more appealing.

It may not have quite as much power as the Hellcat, but it's still a very fast car, with a 0-60 time of around 4 seconds. And when you factor in the lower weight and more nimble handling of the Scat Pack, it can be a more enjoyable car to drive on a twisty back road or a track day.

For those who aspire to match the performance of the Hellcats while keeping costs in check, fear not! The Scat Packs can be upgraded to reach new heights and rival their supercharged counterparts. With the right modifications, these already impressive machines can hold their own against the best.

5. Hellcat: Has The Better Performance Parts & Suspension

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The Hellcat boasts an intercooler system that keeps its high-performance engine cool as it tears up the roads. That means you can rev that baby up without worrying about overheating – how cool is that?

But wait, there's more! The Hellcat also comes with high-performance and competition suspension options that are exclusive to this top-tier ride. These suspension options aren't just for show – they help keep the Hellcat super composed when taking on curves and corners. So, whether you're cruising around town or hitting the track, the Hellcat will have you covered with its killer features and unbeatable performance.

6. Scat Pack: Is Better in the Corners

The Dodge Challenger Scat Pack is bringing some serious upgrades to the table. The car wizards at Dodge have equipped this beast with high-performance 4-piston brakes from Brembo that will have you stopping on a dime. And that's not all – the Scat Pack also comes standard with 20-inch wheels that are angled inward.

Now, we know what you're thinking - angled wheels, what's the big deal? But trust us, it's a game-changer. This inward angle helps the car to grip the road better when taking those tight turns at high speeds, making you feel like a real-life racecar driver. So, whether you're heading to the track or just cruising around town, the Scat Pack has got you covered with its killer combination of power and performance.

So, is the Scat Pack a better value than the Hellcat? It depends on what you're looking for in a car. If you want the ultimate in straight-line performance and don't mind paying a premium for it, then the Hellcat is the way to go. But if you're looking for a more affordable, more practical, and still very fast muscle car, the Scat Pack is an excellent choice. And let's be real - with a name like "Scat Pack", how can you go wrong?

Dodge Hellcat & Scat Pack FAQs