2022 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2023 Dodge Challenger

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette exuded a bold Ferrari-inspired design, showcasing an engine under glass, side air intakes, a pointed nose, and a tapered body that widened toward the back. It was undeniably thrilling to behold, even if it lacked unique elements that distinctly identified it as a Corvette. As with its predecessor, the Corvette coupe featured a lift-out roof panel for those who enjoyed occasional open-air driving. Meanwhile, the Corvette convertible came with a retractable hardtop managed by six electric motors, capable of lowering the roof in just 16 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, as per Chevy's specifications.

All Corvette Stingray models boasted staggered wheels and tires with 19-inch fronts and 20-inch rears. Standard Michelin Pilot Sport All Season tires were available, with Chevy also offering the grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires as an option. The interior of the Corvette left no room for confusion—it was unmistakably unique. A square steering wheel, flanked by a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, made a bold statement. The dashboard layout harked back to classic Corvettes' dual-cockpit shape but went further with a spine-like structure that separated the driver and passenger while housing buttons for climate control and other functions.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Dodge Challenger, specifically the Black Ghost edition based on the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, showcased high-output supercharged 6.2-liter V8 specs, boosting the engine to an eye-watering 807 hp. The Black Ghost's design was inspired by a 1970 Challenger RT SE, featuring Pitch Black paint, white rear fender graphics, a “gator skin” roof graphic, and chrome retro touches such as Dodge lettering on the hood, script Challenger emblems, a fuel cap, and Mopar-sourced hood pins. The 20-inch wheels had a Satin Carbon finish, setting it apart in a market where blacked-out aesthetics were the norm.

The Black Ghost’s old-school detailing sharply contrasted with its contemporary paint, creating a striking appearance. Given that the Challenger's design had remained largely unchanged since 2008, rooted in 1970s styling, the Black Ghost was the epitome of retro. Inside, the Challenger featured luxury touches like Laguna semi-aniline leather upholstery, simulated suede on the steering wheel and headliner, and genuine carbon fiber trim. While overlaying these materials on inexpensive plastic, the build quality was commendable. Modern technology was sparse, with the focus primarily on luxury and retro charm.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette made a bold move by adopting a mid-engine layout in its C8 generation, which launched in 2020. This shift significantly improved weight distribution and traction for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Corvette. The standard Corvette Stingray housed a 6.2-liter V8 producing 490 hp and 465 pound-feet of torque, or 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque when equipped with an optional performance exhaust system. This LT2 engine, a variant of Chevy's small block V8, was modified for the mid-engine layout. For 2022, the engine also received some calibration changes, an upgraded direct injection system, and enhanced Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation.

The engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with no manual option due to the mid-engine shift. Chevy claimed a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and an 11.2-second quarter-mile at 121 mph for models equipped with the Z51 performance package, which was only 0.2 seconds behind Porsche's 911 Turbo. The Corvette was not only incredibly fast but also offered a communicative and precise steering experience with MagneRide's continuous damping control, making it both a thrilling and comfortable daily driver. Equipped with the optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension, the Corvette absorbed bumps and potholes like a luxury sedan, offering a surprisingly smooth ride.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost took performance to extreme levels with its 807-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine. Accelerating the Black Ghost was a jaw-dropping experience, filling the cabin with supercharger whine and propelling the car forward with relentless and addictive power. The car's acceleration was so intense that it required careful handling, and the traction and stability control systems were crucial in maintaining control. The Challenger's adaptive damping suspension, Brembo performance brakes, and sticky Pirelli tires ensured it handled better than one would expect for its size, though it still felt large and less agile compared to smaller competitors like the Camaro or Mustang.

Dodge provided Auto, Sport, and Track driving modes in the SRT models. Sport and Track modes increased steering heaviness, firmed up the suspension, and made the power delivery more aggressive, though the warning light indicating reduced safety features dented driver confidence. Fuel economy was predictably poor, with the Challenger averaging 15 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA, and slightly better at 15.7 mpg in real-world testing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, as a two-seat sports car, couldn't offer vast utility but tried to balance performance with practicality. Thanks to its mid-engine layout, the Corvette had two trunks—one in the front and one behind the engine compartment—offering a combined 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear trunk was designed to hold a set of golf clubs, a classic sports car metric, while the front trunk was deep but had a narrow opening. However, removing the roof panel took up the entire rear trunk, severely reducing cargo capacity. With no rear seats, you couldn't utilize a parcel shelf like in a Porsche 911.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Challenger's larger size paid dividends in comfort and practicality. The sport-bolstered, heated, and ventilated front seats were wide and supportive, with six-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and a heated, power-adjustable steering wheel. The Challenger could comfortably carry passengers in its spacious back seat, a significant advantage over its competitors. The Dodge offered a trunk with 16.2 cubic feet of space, larger than some family sedans, though the high loading lift-over height could be cumbersome.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette came well-equipped with advanced technology. A standard 8-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio (with a free trial), and a built-in WiFi hotspot were available on all models. The base 1LT trim missed out on standard navigation but still offered a comprehensive infotainment system. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, which delivered decent sound despite competing with the car's roaring engine.

Corvette included Chevy’s Performance Data Recorder, capable of capturing dashcam video and data traces from track sessions. The system had 1080p resolution and a dash cam mode for everyday driving. The Corvette could also be equipped with a front-end lift system, capable of raising the nose 40 millimeters to avoid scraping bodywork on steep driveways.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger was less reliant on cutting-edge technology. Its Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system and driver information display between analog gauges were efficient yet relatively outdated. Performance Pages in SRT-tuned variants provided access to an array of data and configurable settings, including driving modes, performance metrics, and launch control systems, readily accessible via dashboard buttons.

The Uconnect 4 touchscreen infotainment display in the Black Ghost measured 8.4 inches and included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming audio, a complimentary six-month trial to SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Challenger relied on knobs and buttons to control volume, tune the radio, and adjust the climate, which minimized driver distraction.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette was light on driver-assist tech, typical for sports cars. Important features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not on the base 1LT trim, helping overcome the limited rear visibility. Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not available due to the Corvette's low sales volume.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost offered limited safety features, such as traction and stability control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. However, it missed out on forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Challenger did provide Ready Alert Braking, which activated during panic braking. The NHTSA had given the Challenger high marks, though the IIHS ratings were less favorable, particularly in newer test categories.