Charger Daytona vs. Mustang Dark Horse: The U-Drags Showdown

In a head-to-head battle of new-age performance, Edmunds recently put the all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 up against the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in their latest U-Drags video. With muscle car purists watching closely, the race showcased the raw power of electric propulsion versus the traditional V8 experience.

Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2: Instant Power, AWD Grip –

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 packs a serious punch, with dual electric motors generating 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels, allowing for an explosive launch that rockets the Daytona from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Dodge’s Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system provides an artificial but aggressive sound, attempting to maintain the muscle car essence despite its EV underpinnings.

Ford Mustang Dark Horse: The Last V8 Muscle Car Standing – 

The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse represents the last bastion of V8-powered muscle. Under the hood, a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 produces 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering a more traditional muscle car experience. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.0 seconds, it’s noticeably slower than the Charger Daytona but brings old-school driving engagement to the fight.

The Race: Instant Torque vs. Classic Drama –

As the lights went green, the Charger Daytona’s instant torque and all-wheel-drive (AWD) grip gave it an undeniable advantage, leaving the Mustang Dark Horse trailing in its wake. Despite its higher top speed of 166 mph, the Mustang struggled to overcome the Charger’s initial launch.

Edmunds’ testers swapped cars for a second race, but the result was nearly identical. The Charger Daytona’s electric powertrain consistently delivered rapid acceleration, while the Mustang’s naturally aspirated V8 and rear-wheel-drive layout required more driver finesse to keep pace.

The Verdict: Speed vs. Soul – 

While the Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 dominated in straight-line performance, some drivers noted that the EV’s unpredictability and lack of engine feedback made it less engaging to drive. The Mustang Dark Horse, despite being slower, delivered an authentic muscle car experience with its roaring V8 and raw power delivery.

With the Dodge Challenger discontinued and the Camaro retired, the Mustang remains the only V8-powered muscle car in production. The Charger Daytona may be the future, but for those who crave the classic feel of a V8, the Mustang Dark Horse still holds the crown for traditional muscle car enthusiasts.