2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2022 Porsche 911

The 2021 Dodge Challenger, even in its base SXT trim with plain 18-inch alloys, exuded a cool, retro vibe. Its large, mid-size SUV-like presence was accentuated by squared-off fenders, round headlights, and a hood that seemed to require its own parking space. The twin hood scoops, double-nostril grille, and rectangular taillights emphasized the car's width, while the unique hump in the rear quarter panel added to its stocky and thick appearance. Despite its retro style becoming familiar over time, the Challenger's design remained striking, especially when equipped with 20-inch wheels and vibrant paint options like Hellraisin and Go Mango.

Inside, the Challenger's interior had remained largely unchanged since its 2015 refresh. The analog gauges with red needles provided a nostalgic touch, while the central display offered a wealth of information. Upper trims featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather seats, contrast stitching, and carbon fiber accents. However, the base model's interior, while decent for its price, lacked the wow factor that modern car buyers might expect.

The 2022 Porsche 911 retained its iconic rear-engine layout and distinctive styling, evolving gradually over decades rather than undergoing radical redesigns. This approach ensured that the 911 remained one of the best sports cars available, though it limited the extent of changes. The 911 was designed for driving enthusiasts who valued performance and were willing to make some sacrifices for it. Despite this, most 911 models were comfortable enough for daily driving.

The 911's build quality and refined interior helped justify its high price tag. With the automotive industry moving towards electrification, the future of the 911's internal-combustion engine was uncertain. Porsche had already announced plans to electrify the next-generation Boxster and Cayman, and the success of the Taycan electric sedan hinted at the potential for a future 911 EV.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offered a wide range of performance options, from the base SXT and GT trims with a mediocre V6 engine to the high-horsepower Hellcat models. The Challenger was known for its impressive horsepower figures, with options ranging from 303 to 807 horsepower. The R/T Scat Pack and above featured advanced performance features like line lock, launch control, and launch assist. The Hellcat models included additional cooling systems like the After-Run Chiller and Power Chiller to maintain optimal performance.

The base Challenger's 3.6-liter V6 was suitable for highway cruising but lacked excitement. The R/T trim, with its 375-hp, 5.7-liter V8, offered a more engaging driving experience with a six-speed manual transmission and active exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack upped the ante with a 485-hp, 6.4-liter V8 and larger brakes. The Hellcat models, with their supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engines, delivered mind-blowing performance, with the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody achieving 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 203 mph.

The 2022 Porsche 911's engine was as iconic as the car itself, featuring a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder "boxer" engine mounted behind the rear axle. This setup favored high-performance driving, allowing the car to rotate its tail into turns and increase overall speed. The 911 lineup included 10 variants, with the base Carrera's 3.0-liter turbocharged boxer-six producing 379 horsepower. The Carrera 4 added all-wheel drive, while the Carrera S increased output to 443 hp. The GTS model, with 473 hp, represented a middle ground between the Carreras and higher-performing models like the Turbo and GT3.

The 911 offered an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) on most models, with a seven-speed manual available on S and GTS models. The PDK improved acceleration and fuel efficiency, while the manual provided a more engaging driving experience. The Carrera GTS Cabriolet, with its PDK transmission, could reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and had a top speed of 192 mph. The 911's handling was precise and confidence-inspiring, with adjustable suspension settings for different driving conditions. The brakes were effective and easy to modulate, making the 911 a well-rounded sports car.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offered impressive cargo space, with 16 cubic feet in the trunk, surpassing many sedans and its muscle car rivals. While technically a five-seater, the back seat was best deleted for practicality. The driver's seat provided a moderately good view, though the side mirrors were small. The interior featured conventional controls and the user-friendly UConnect infotainment system. The seats were comfortable, with various material and color options, and the steering wheels offered multiple designs and controls.

The 2022 Porsche 911's interior blended historic personality with modern sensibilities. The large analog tachometer and smaller digital gauges provided a nostalgic touch, while the 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen allowed for some buttons to migrate to the screen. The standard seats were comfortable, with sport seats offering improved lateral support. The rear seats were small and better suited for cargo overflow, as the front trunk offered only 4.6 cubic feet of space. Interior storage was limited, but the convertible's fabric top could be stowed or deployed quickly, providing a quiet ride with minimal wind noise.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger's standard infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the 8.4-inch screen was a better option. The Performance Pages app provided real-time performance data, and the UConnect system allowed for custom driving modes. Available options included an Alpine audio system, power steering column, driver's seat memory, SiriusXM, HD radio, 4G WiFi hotspot, xenon headlights, auto high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. However, driver assists were limited, with adaptive cruise control being optional.

The 2022 Porsche 911's infotainment system featured a lower-mounted touchscreen, which required taking eyes off the road. Apple CarPlay was wireless, but Android Auto required a USB cable. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Bose system a better choice. Remote Park Assist was available with the Premium package. The 911's drive systems included Comfort and Sport Plus modes, which adjusted the car's character and performance. The Sport Chrono package added performance features like a lap timer and analysis.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but struggled with the IIHS's tougher standards. It scored "good" in two tests, "acceptable" in two others, and "marginal" in the small overlap front test. The body structure was rated "poor," and the optional forward emergency braking safety feature was rated "basic." Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were the only other available driver assists.

The 2022 Porsche 911 had not been evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS, which was common for high-end luxury vehicles. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The optional Premium package added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and blind-spot monitoring. Other options included night vision and an integrated dashcam feature. The 911 offered fewer safety features compared to conventional sedans and SUVs, but this was typical for sports cars.