Hellcat vs GT500: Supercharged Showdown
Dodge Hellcat vs Ford GT500 comparison. 700+ horsepower American muscle battle.
American muscle at maximum attack: the Dodge Challenger Hellcat versus the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Both deliver over 700 horsepower in classic muscle car packages, but their philosophies differ dramatically—supercharged isolation versus supercharged precision.
Detailed Comparison
Maximum Muscle Comparison
Power Philosophy
Both cars use supercharged V8s to deliver extraordinary power, but the approaches differ. Dodge's Hellcat prioritizes accessible brutality—huge displacement, moderate boost, and massive torque. Ford's GT500 uses a more sophisticated, higher-strung approach with rev-happy character.
Engine & Performance
Dodge Challenger Hellcat: The 6.2L supercharged HEMI produces 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque. The engine's character is low-RPM thrust—massive torque available from idle. Eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual available.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: The 5.2L supercharged "Predator" V8 produces 760 hp and 625 lb-ft. The engine revs more freely and feels racier. Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission only—no manual option.
Chassis Character
The Challenger Hellcat is a muscle car with modern power—heavy, rear-biased, and most comfortable in straight lines. The chassis can be driven hard but doesn't encourage canyon carving. The emphasis is on comfortable cruising punctuated by brutal acceleration.
The GT500 feels more like a sports car despite similar power levels. The chassis communicates clearly, the steering is more precise, and the car rewards technical driving. It's significantly lighter and benefits from Mustang's continued chassis development.
Transmission Philosophy
Dodge offers both automatic and manual—a significant consideration for many enthusiasts. The eight-speed automatic is excellent, but the manual option allows greater involvement.
Ford's DCT-only approach maximizes performance but eliminates the three-pedal experience. The transmission is lightning quick but removes a key element of traditional muscle car ownership.
Style & Presence
The Challenger's retro design makes an unmistakable statement. It looks like a muscle car should look—wide, aggressive, and rooted in heritage. The GT500's styling is more modern and aggressive, with functional aerodynamics dominating the design.
Vehicle A
Vehicle B
The Verdict
The Verdict
Choose the Hellcat if: You want the traditional muscle car experience with modern power. The Hellcat's combination of retro styling, manual transmission availability, and brutal character creates something unique in the modern market.
Choose the GT500 if: Maximum performance matters more than tradition. The GT500 is simply faster on any road with corners. It's the choice for those who want track-day capability alongside street performance.
Our Pick: The GT500, narrowly. While the Hellcat's character is compelling, the GT500's superior handling and greater power make it the more capable performance car. The loss of the manual transmission is significant, but the DCT's performance compensates for enthusiasts willing to adapt.