Summary
- Electric Dodge Charger beats powerful Ford Mustang in U-drag races
- Electric vehicles are quicker in straight lines due to torque, traction control, and lack of gear shifting
- Mustang Dark Horse has better power-to-weight ratio, but Charger Daytona EV still wins
- Charger has more power but weighs more than Mustang
- Even though Mustang is better around turns, Charger still wins both races
Article
The Electric Dodge Charger vs. the Ford Mustang: A U-Drag Race Showdown
Edmunds recently showcased an epic drag race between the electric Dodge Charger and the powerful Ford Mustang to determine which car reigns supreme in terms of acceleration, power, and traction. Despite the Ford Mustang boasting a better power-to-weight ratio, the Dodge Charger outperformed the Mustang in both races, thanks to its superior power and traction. The second race, in particular, was a nail-biter, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both cars.
The Superiority of Electric Vehicles in Drag Races
Electric vehicles have proven time and again that they reign supreme in drag races due to their instant torque, precise traction control, and lack of gears to shift. This gives them a significant advantage over gas-powered cars in straight-line acceleration. The Dodge Charger Daytona EV showcased this superiority by leaving the Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the dust during the U-Drag races, despite the ‘Stang having a superior power-to-weight ratio on paper.
Specs Showdown: Ford Mustang vs. Dodge Charger
On paper, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse with 500 horsepower boasts impressive acceleration numbers, capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with the 10-speed automatic transmission (or 4.1 seconds with the manual). However, the Dodge Charger Daytona EV with the Scat Pack and up to 670 horsepower proved to be even quicker, clocking in at 3.3 seconds in independent testing. Although the Mustang has a better power-to-weight ratio, the Charger’s power and traction propelled it to victory in both races.
The Dynamics of U-Drag Racing
The U-Drag format of the races not only tested the cars’ straight-line acceleration but also highlighted their ability to scrub off speed, corner at high speeds, and efficiently put down power. The more track-focused Ford Mustang showcased its prowess in handling and steering during the U-turn at the end of the first acceleration run. However, the Charger’s sheer power and acceleration capabilities allowed it to outperform the Mustang in both races, showcasing its dominance even in different racing scenarios.
The Thrilling Race Showdown
In the second race, Edmunds made adjustments to ensure fairness by swapping drivers and lanes. While the Mustang put on a better show and managed to pull ahead after the U-turn, the Charger eventually reeled it in by the end of the run, solidifying its superiority over the Ford in terms of acceleration and power delivery. Despite the Charger’s victory, the Mustang’s performance in the second race emphasized its strengths in handling and cornering, providing a balanced perspective on both cars’ capabilities.
The Future of Electric Muscle Cars
The electric Dodge Charger has been a subject of debate among reviewers, with some disappointed by its lack of burnout capabilities and occasional issues with the EV powertrain. However, further testing is underway to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Charger’s performance and reliability. As the automotive industry continues to trend towards electric vehicles, the performance of cars like the Dodge Charger Daytona EV highlights the potential for electric muscle cars to dominate the drag racing scene in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on the electrifying showdown between the Charger and the Mustang.
Read the full article here
