When you discuss the Dodge Chargers vs Ford Mustang, you might as well put the Hurricane twin-turbo six-cylinder engine against the GT’s V8.

Only two American muscle cars remain, and they go head-to-head to bring you the gasoline-filled excitement you’re looking for. While the 2026 Ford Mustang GT continues to utilize the classic V8 engine, the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack brings a new level of heat with the high-output version of the Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Which if these two muscles cars should be sitting in your driveway? Let’s take a look.

Dodge Charger vs Ford Mustang: Muscle car comparison

Two American muscle legends just got serious upgrades for 2026, and they couldn’t be more different. The Dodge Charger Scat Pack ditched its V8 for a screaming 550-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder that hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while Ford kept the faith with the Mustang GT’s classic 5.0-liter V8 pumping out 480 horses.

Dodge went wild with standard all-wheel drive that you can switch to pure rear-wheel fun mode whenever you want. Ford stuck with traditional rear-drive and that legendary V8 rumble everyone loves. The Charger starts around $55,000 and gives you the option of two or four doors. The Mustang GT comes in cheaper at about $47,000 but stays true to its two-door roots.

Both cars will smoke the tires, turn heads, and get your heart racing, just in completely different ways. If you grew up loving American muscle and want to know which one actually delivers in 2026, this comparison breaks down what matters when you’re spending your hard-earned cash on a performance car that’s built to thrill.

Twin Turbo vs V8: Affordable performance cars do things differently

Would you like an AWD muscle car, giving you added control when you need it, or does the old-school formula of RWD appeal to you? Are you ready to listen to the whine of a twin-turbocharged engine, or would you rather continue to have the low grumble of a massive V8? When you compare the Dodge Charger vs Ford Mustang, you’re looking at the last two remaining American muscle cars in 2026. Which one is the best muscle car under $60,000, giving you the thrills, pure power, and incredible performance that you’re looking for when you step in and get ready for a ride?

Dodge continues to make the biggest muscle cars

Before the Dodge Challenger left the market, it was the longest and largest muscle car of the trio on the market at that time. That size difference continues to be part of the mix when you compare the Dodge Charger vs Ford Mustang. The Charger is longer, wider, taller, and has a longer wheelbase than the Ford Mustang. As you might expect, that translates to a heavier curb weight as well, with the 2026 Charger tipping the scales at 4,816 pounds while the Mustang weighs 3,832 pounds with the automatic transmission.

Of course, if you want more room in the rear seat, the extra 17 inches of length puts the Charger in the lead, making it easier to use as a family vehicle. That said, when it comes to performance, the extra weight holds the Charger back.

V8 Power might be perfect for you

The angry growl of the Mustang GT’s V8 engine is impossible to match or beat. When you want your muscle car to sound like it’s ready to blow the doors off everything else, the Ford Mustang GT is the car for you.

On the other hand, if you want the quicker car in both the 0-60 and quarter-mile sprints, the Dodge Charger Scat Pack has the Ford Mustang GT beat. The For can come with more power with the active exhaust system, which increases power to 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, which still doesn’t match the 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque found in the Charger Scat Pack.

Dodge Chargers vs Ford Mustang: Classic muscle car feel versus new school feel

The Ford Mustang GT is available with a six-speed manual transmission and maintains the classic, old-school, RWD system that most muscle car enthusiasts have come to know and love. The Dodge Charger Scat Pack is only offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission and has standard AWD with the on-demand RWD system. The transmission and AWD negate the engagement desired by most muscle car drivers or driving purists.

Which of these two American muscle cars would you like to drive? Instead of taking our word for it, put the Dodge Charger vs Ford Mustang comparison to the test yourself by taking each for a test drive.