The staff of Car and Driver and Motor Trend respectfully have established themselves are a trusted source of automotive news and reviews. Now they have both done some test with the all new Dodge Challenger and they decided to pit it against the class leader of American muscle cars the Ford Mustang. The results are very surprising.

Now being that the Challenger these two groups got a hold of was the top of the line SRT8 version they decided not to run it against the base model. Wanting to go with a higher performance level car Car and Driver picked the Mustang Bullitt and Motor Trend chose the Shelby GT500 Mustang. You can click the links above for the full reviews or below is a review of the two comparisons by AutomoBlog:

Car and Driver’s Test:

Their Challenger was a fiery muscle machine decked out in Hemi Orange, and the classic styling— the long hood short deck, squared off nose and back, and the humps over the wheels— is a toss back to the heydays of the American car. The Mustang Bullitt is actually a Mustang GT that went through the $3,310 Bullitt package. It is the exact opposite of the Challenger, opting for a more stealthy, under-estimated menace look. It comes draped in dark Highland Green, and grayed out wheels and the lack of flashy badges make this one mean machine.

The Bullitt isn’t just a visual mod, ’cause the Mustang’s performance gets beastly when the Bullitt badges are slapped on. The engine is a 4.6 liter V-8 with 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This stealthy pony blasts from 0-60 in 5 seconds flat. Not too bad, but is it good enough to take on the Challenger? Well, the numbers say no. The Dodge’s 6.1 liter V-8 has 425 horses and 420 pound-feet torque, and together they get this machine to 60 in 4.8 seconds, as tested by Car and Driver, and on to a top speed of 170 mph.

Interior-wise, the Bullitt is nicer than the stock GT’s, but its use of plastics and overall simple feel instantly mark it as a Mustang. Exclusive to the Bullitt is a replicated engine-turned swirly design for the dash, and the aluminum ball that sits atop of the shifter. The Challenger’s interior was favored by Car and Driver, who praised the better seats and the roomier set-up.

Car and Driver did have complaints with both, and the biggest strike against the Bullitt was its uncomfortable ride, and the overall “racket of driving”. The only real Challenger criticism is its price tag, which at $40,208, is about $5,000 more than the Bullitt’s. On the other hand, the Bullitt’s highlights include the snorty sound of the V-8, the smooth clutch, and the sheer joy of pure driving. The Challenger scored high marks with its beastly engine and performance, and its classy looks.

Motor Trend’s Test:

Motor Trend’s Challenger came in silver, and is not as attention demanding (some might say obnoxious) as the bright orange one. The Shelby GT500, on the other hand, is undoubtedly hotter in blazing red with slick white racing stripes.

The GT500, though based on the outdated live axle platform, is a complete beast when it comes to performance— its screeching 5.4 liter V-8 pumps out 540 horses and 480 pound-feet of torque, and it blasts to 60 in a stupendous 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of an electronically limited 155 mph. The Challenger, though outgunned, still ain’t no wimp, and it uses its 6.1 liter V-8 (yeah, it’s a Hemi), to produce 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet torque. It scoots to 60 in a respectable 4.7 seconds, and to a top speed of 170 mph, all with the good ol’ American rumble of the classic V-8, compared with the less appealing supercharged whine of the GT500.

For the interior, Motor Trend was rather disappointed with the Challenger, and I am too. Seems like we both expected a cabin closer to that of the concept’s. But, of course, for some reason the Big Three can’t make a concept into a production model without making it worse. While the concept featured retro touches and flashier trim, the SRT8’s interior looks like it was lifted from a Charger or 300C, and just doesn’t look like it belongs in such a good looking machine. Motor Trend also laments the big ugly steering wheel, and preferred the sportier three-spoke version of the GT500’s. However, like Car and Driver they love the beefy leather seats.

Motor Trend didn’t give any opinions on the GT500’s interior, so I’ll inject some of my own. The whole cabin is a lot more attractive than the Challenger’s, which is plain and boring, not befitting of a top of the line SRT8. The Shelby, on the other hand, features blazing red seat and door panel inserts. Flashier trim and sportier steering wheel land this Mustang up front. Plus, it’s got that cool, evil little Cobra badge on the steering wheel to give a better first impression.

As for Motor Trend’s criticisms, the main one against the Mustang is its use of the outdated live axle platform, especially when compared to the Challenger’s fully independent suspension. Motor Trend did praise the GT500’s superior speed, acceleration, and handling. The biggest strike against the Challenger was the fact that it was almost too well-mannered. They wanted an exhaust with more crackle and boom. They also slammed the Dodge for not having a manual.

And the winner is….

Motor Trend said it best when they said

“It’s one of the closest compare calls we’ve made of late, but the nod goes to the all-new Challenger from Dodge. The Shelby GT500 remains a fast and compelling piece, but the Challenger is simply a better-sorted automobile, a 20th-century icon reborn with 21st-century sophistication and poise.”

Believe it or not the Dodge beat out the Ford in both tests in almost all areas. Now with the semi finals out of the way I am ready for the finals. Challenger SRT8 vs. Camaro SS. 2009 is going to be a lot like 1969 all over again.

Car and Driver’s Photos:

Motor Trend’s Photos: