Both the Corvette and the Challenger have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding and daytime running lights.
The Corvette’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Challenger’s (6/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).
Chevrolet pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corvette for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Chevrolet will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Dodge doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Challenger.
There are over 43 percent more Chevrolet dealers than there are Dodge dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Corvette’s warranty.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 7th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 18th, below the industry average.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 9th in reliability, above the industry average. With 69 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 26th.
The Corvette has more powerful engines than the Challenger:
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
Corvette 6.2 V8 |
455 HP |
460 lbs.-ft. |
Corvette 6.2 V8 |
460 HP |
465 lbs.-ft. |
Corvette Z06 6.2 supercharged V8 |
650 HP |
650 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger 3.6 DOHC V6 |
305 HP |
268 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger R/T automatic 5.7 V8 |
372 HP |
400 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger R/T manual 5.7 V8 |
375 HP |
410 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger Scat Pack/SRT 392 HEMI 6.4 V8 |
485 HP |
475 lbs.-ft. |
As tested in Car and Driver the Chevrolet Corvette V8 is faster than the Challenger Scat Pack/SRT 392 HEMI 6.4 V8 (manual transmissions tested):
Corvette |
Challenger |
|
Zero to 30 MPH |
1.6 sec |
1.9 sec |
Zero to 60 MPH |
3.9 sec |
4.4 sec |
Zero to 100 MPH |
8.7 sec |
10.2 sec |
Quarter Mile |
12.2 sec |
12.9 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
117 MPH |
113 MPH |
On the EPA test cycle the Corvette gets better fuel mileage than the Challenger:
Corvette |
Challenger |
|||
6.2 V8 (455 HP)/7-spd. Manual |
17 city/29 hwy |
15 city/23 hwy |
5.7 V8 (375 HP) |
|
n/a |
14 city/23 hwy |
6.4 V8/Manual |
||
6.2 S.C. V8/7-spd. Manual |
15 city/22 hwy |
13 city/21 hwy |
6.2 S.C. V8/Manual |
|
6.2 V8 (455 HP)/8-spd. Auto |
16 city/29 hwy |
16 city/25 hwy |
5.7 V8 (372 HP)/Auto |
|
n/a |
15 city/25 hwy |
6.4 V8/Auto |
||
6.2 S.C. V8/8-spd. Auto |
13 city/23 hwy |
13 city/22 hwy |
6.2 S.C. V8/Auto |
To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Corvette uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Challenger R/T manual requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.
The Corvette has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Challenger doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.
The Corvette’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Challenger SXT are solid, not vented.
The Corvette Z06 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Challenger doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.
The Corvette stops much shorter than the Challenger:
Corvette |
Challenger |
||
70 to 0 MPH |
128 feet |
162 feet |
Car and Driver |
60 to 0 MPH |
91 feet |
109 feet |
Motor Trend |
For better traction, the Corvette has larger standard tires than the Challenger (F:245/40R18 & R:285/35R19 vs. 235/55R18). The Corvette Z06’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Challenger (F:285/30R19 & R:335/25R20 vs. 275/40R20).
The Corvette’s standard 245/40R18 front and 285/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Challenger SXT’s standard 55 series tires. The Corvette Z06’s 285/30R19 front and 335/25R20 rear tires have a lower 30 series front and 25 series rear profile than the Challenger SRT’s 40 series tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corvette has standard 19-inch rear wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Challenger SXT.
Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Corvette can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Challenger doesn’t offer run-flat tires.
The Chevrolet Corvette may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 900 pounds less than the Dodge Challenger.
The Corvette is 1 foot, 8.6 inches shorter than the Challenger, making the Corvette easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
The Corvette is 7.1 inches shorter in height than the Challenger, making the Corvette much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).
The design of the Chevrolet Corvette amounts to more than styling. The Corvette has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is significantly lower than the Challenger (.337 to .38). A more efficient exterior helps the Corvette go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the Corvette get better fuel mileage.
For excellent aerodynamics, the Corvette has standard flush composite headlights. The Challenger has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.
As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the Corvette Stingray Coupe is quieter than the Challenger Scat Pack (69 vs. 72 dB).
When two different drivers share the Corvette, the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The Challenger doesn’t offer a memory system.
The Corvette’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Challenger doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
The Corvette offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Challenger doesn’t offer a heads-up display.
The Corvette’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Challenger’s power windows’ switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.
The Corvette has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and fuel theft. The Challenger doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.
When the Corvette with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Challenger’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.
The Corvette offers optional automatic dimming rear and side view mirrors which automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Challenger has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.
The Chevrolet Corvette has won recognition from these important consumer publications:
Corvette |
Challenger |
|
Consumer Reports® Recommends |
TRUE |
TRUE |
Kiplinger’s Award |
TRUE |
FALSE |
Strategic Vision rates overall owner satisfaction with vehicle quality. With a Total Quality Index of 929, Strategic Vision rated the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 34 points higher than the Dodge Challenger for 2015. With a Total Quality Index of 919, the Corvette Coupe is rated 24 points higher than the Challenger. Both the Corvette Coupe and Convertible are ranked first in their classes and received the 2015 “Total Quality Award.”
The Corvette was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 12 of the last 18 years. The Challenger has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.
The Corvette was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 5 of the last 11 years. The Challenger has never been an “All Star.”
The Corvette was selected by Automobile Magazine as their 2014 Car of the Year. The Challenger has never been chosen.
A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Corvette as the 2014 North American Car of the Year. The Challenger has never been chosen.
© 1991-2016 Advanta-STAR Automotive Research. All rights reserved.
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