Dodge Charger Continues to Believe It's 1970, and Competing Against Ford's Fastest EV Just Confirmed It the Hard Way | Carscoops

      Power meets agility in this electrifying muscle car showdown, with the victor clearly not in doubt.

      April 5, 2025, at 14:20

      by Stephen Rivers

      The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance boasts 480 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, while weighing 4,950 pounds.

      In contrast, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack generates 670 hp through its Powershot feature but weighs nearly 6,000 pounds.

      A U-drag race assesses their acceleration, braking, and cornering abilities in a single intense face-off.

      The notion of two iconic American car brands transitioning to all-electric might have seemed far-fetched not long ago, yet we now witness it unfolding in real time. The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance and the Dodge Charger Daytona are pitting their competition against each other on the track in a U-drag race to see which electric vehicle handles its weight more effectively.

      To clarify, a U-drag race is as straightforward as its name suggests. After completing a quarter-mile traditional drag race, the participants must reverse and race back to the starting line as quickly as possible. This challenge allows for the evaluation of acceleration, braking, and handling in one comprehensive event.

      Read: Stellantis Halts Charger Daytona Production As It Temporarily Cuts 5,400 Jobs And Idles Plants

      We have two of the most debated American cars currently available, just shy of Tesla. First is the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance, which produces 480 horsepower (357 kW) and 700 lb-ft (948 Nm) of torque. It weighs approximately 4,950 pounds (2,245 kg), making it over 1,000 pounds (453 kg) lighter than its competitor.

      On the opposing side, we have the Dodge Charger Daytona, tipping the scales at a substantial 5,974 pounds (2,709 kg). While it is considerably heavier, it compensates with raw power. When the driver activates the special "Powershot" button, the Charger unleashes 670 horsepower (499 kW) and 630 lb-ft (853 Nm) of torque, translating that weight into formidable acceleration.

      Numbers vs. Reality

      Specs are appealing, yet we seek tangible outcomes. At the start, the Mustang races ahead, its lighter weight allowing it to harness its power more swiftly. However, this advantage is short-lived. The Dodge quickly regains momentum and passes the Mustang before the initial stretch concludes.

      By the close of the quarter-mile, the Dodge has established a lead of more than a full car length. During the turn, the Mustang navigates the corner faster, but it's not sufficient to secure the lead. The Dodge's lead is sizable enough for it to exit the corner ahead and extend that advantage to the finish line.

      Round Two: Dodge Power, Ford Control

      The second race follows a similar pattern, but with a notable twist: the Charger has difficulty during the braking phase and nearly veers into the Mustang's lane. The consensus is clear; the Charger is faster, but considerably more difficult to manage. One commentator likens it to an old-school muscle car.

      However, this characteristic isn't advantageous in this scenario. It's not the thrilling performance associated with vintage muscle cars, but the challenging handling that the new Charger evokes. This sentiment reflects other opinions we've encountered regarding the vehicle. We're hopeful for an opportunity to test drive one soon.

      At present, the Charger emerges victorious in terms of speed, while the Mustang showcases a compelling argument for balance—although not enough to cross the finish line first.

      Credit: Edmunds