Stinger VS Charger, Car and Driver

[itguy61]

2019 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack vs. 2019 Kia Stinger GT: Which Sports Sedan Packs a Bigger Punch?

 

[Socalstinga]

I didn't realize stock for stock, the scat pack was that fast off the line. Well, I guess a r/t scat pack isn't truly stock since it's essentially modded from the manufacturer

 

[turboAWD]

Here's the important paragraph, for MY PERSONAL SITUATION:

When you're not at the drag strip, though, the Dodge struggles to put its power down smoothly. Its throttle feels like an on-off switch, making it hard to roll into the V-8's generous torque without overdoing it. The Kia's considerably quieter V-6 may not have the presence or charisma of a V-8, but it responds to throttle inputs more naturally, giving it a lively feel without being jumpy. The twin turbochargers spool up quickly, and its eight-speed transmission kicks down effortlessly, meaning the Stinger gains speed with more poise and precision than the Dodge's brute-force approach. Plus, to no one's surprise, the Stinger dominated the Charger in fuel economy. The V-6–powered Kia sipped fuel at a rate of 23 miles per gallon compared to the V-8 Dodge's 17 mpg.

This may NOT be important to everyone. I struggled to even find a Charger SRT equivalent (Scat Pack + Dynamics + adjustable suspension) - and there were like 10 dealers I considered. I think I found ONE, 45 minutes away. Would NOT want to drive this car with skinny tires (test drove one - chirping when gently taking a turn - similar to the way our Grand Caravan constantly spins a front tire taking off into a turn if you go past 10% throttle), plus didn't want to drive with sport suspension 100% of the time - I'd heard from others how wearing it can be on a road trip. I wanted an all-around car.

Plus, aside from a supercharger, you aren't adding anymore noticeable performance to the Charger. I'd also heard new front rotors, with the big Hellcat brakes were going for $1500 a set - not sure if that's gotten better yet.. Stinger + jb4, OTOH, should easily keep up with this, AND be a better daily drive, like putting down power on a not-so-great road - which is why I got AWD..

 

[HerbieTheCar]

Here's the important paragraph, for MY PERSONAL SITUATION:


This may NOT be important to everyone. I struggled to even find a Charger SRT equivalent (Scat Pack + Dynamics + adjustable suspension) - and there were like 10 dealers I considered. I think I found ONE, 45 minutes away. Would NOT want to drive this car with skinny tires (test drove one - chirping when gently taking a turn - similar to the way our Grand Caravan constantly spins a front tire taking off into a turn if you go past 10% throttle), plus didn't want to drive with sport suspension 100% of the time - I'd heard from others how wearing it can be on a road trip. I wanted an all-around car.

Plus, aside from a supercharger, you aren't adding anymore noticeable performance to the Charger. I'd also heard new front rotors, with the big Hellcat brakes were going for $1500 a set - not sure if that's gotten better yet.. Stinger + jb4, OTOH, should easily keep up with this, AND be a better daily drive, like putting down power on a not-so-great road - which is why I got AWD..

Agreed. I was looking at a charger too, but more a Hellcat (but it was waaay more expensive) and the running joke is that "the Charger is good... as long as you only go in a straight line". I never test drove one but I can't imagine how awful it feels in the Spring when there are potholes all over the place and you're just trying not to hit a big one that will destroy your butt and your wheel.

The Stinger is my first big purchase so I wanted something that was good for all types of weather and long commutes. Heck, I don't even care how long I'm in traffic because I'm just having fun driving.

 

[MerlintheMad]

The Stinger is my first big purchase so I wanted something that was good for all types of weather and long commutes. Heck, I don't even care how long I'm in traffic because I'm just having fun driving.

Oh, I could have written that. In fact, I did, quite a few times, in so many words.

 

[SKStinger]

A good read. What separates the two for me is price, especially in the Canadian market and the disparity grows as you option out the Charger. This article compares a GT to a base Charger Scat Pack but if you compare a GT Limited to a similarly equipped Charger Scat pack, the Charger is ~$12,000 CAD difference and that's at MSRP. If you value the features of the GT Limited, the Stinger becomes the clear favorite at that price point.

And i still prefer the look and functionality of the Stinger's sport back design over the much more common sedan styling of the Charger.

 

[Socalstinga]

after reading this article I priced out a r/t scat pack with similar features as what I have on my GT1 - came out to $48k. Brembos, 20's, sunroof, etc. I got my GT1 sticker down to $38k and even with all my mods, I'm still roughly at $42k before taxes.

 

[Todd Piefer]

Here in Northern Illinois, the Stinger GT with AWD is an even more practical choice for a year round workhorse.

 

[Aurelian]

When you're not at the drag strip, though, the Dodge struggles to put its power down smoothly.

So much truth to that. One night I passed a Challenger (higher trim or modded, couldn't be sure) and we both pulled up even to the next red light, and of course I could tell early that he wanted to go at it, even with a bunch of cars pulling up behind us.

When the light turns green - I had my split second of turbo lag and so wasn't exactly springing off the line. His tires immediately started smoking though and he started skid-drifting into my lane behind me and to the left, almost hitting the car behind me. Didn't see much of what happened to him after that, since the Stinger's missile-flight kicked in.

 

[P22Tyler]

Agreed. I was looking at a charger too, but more a Hellcat (but it was waaay more expensive) and the running joke is that "the Charger is good... as long as you only go in a straight line".

There's a video on MotorTrend of Randy Pobst setting a lap time in a Miata and Jonny Lieberman trying to beat it. Pretty hilarious and worth a watch IMO.

 

[P22Tyler]

The comments from Dodge fanboys about the Stingers interior quality being subpar are too much.

 

[ScottM]

Last year around the end of Feb, I test drove a Charger R/T Scat Pack. It was almost a dream of mine to own one after all the online browsing I did... all the power and Vroom, Vroom. Well, at the same time I decided to test drive the Stinger on the same day. I didn't even think the Stinger had a chance, so test drove it first. I didn't realize how awesome it was until I test drove the charger next. Yes, the vroom, vroom was there with the Charger... but it just felt like a muscle car for the sake of it and nothing special for me. The Stinger had me at "hello" and I'm loving it!!

 

[antne]

Just me, but I wouldn't spend a dime on anything made by FCA. Do a search on 10 worst vehicles for recalls/repairs and see what turns up.

 

[ktstinger]

Good read although I question the "head turning looks". Maybe head turning noise from the exhaust, but looks? The Charger look has barely changed in since the 2011 refresh. I don't think a 9 year old exterior stylings are turning anyones head, god knows the hard plastic interior isn't.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Good read although I question the "head turning looks". Maybe head turning noise from the exhaust, but looks? The Charger look has barely changed in since the 2011 refresh. I don't think a 9 year old exterior stylings are turning anyones head, god knows the hard plastic interior isn't.

I always notice Chargers and Challengers, and Camaros, and Mustangs, and basically any retro design of cars from my youth. And that was before I started to change into a "car guy" because of the Stinger. It's even "worse" now.

 

[Edwardb1]

Just me, but I wouldn't spend a dime on anything made by FCA (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist). Do a search on 10 worst vehicles for recalls/repairs and see what turns up.

True, the quality of FCA products is no where near what Kia has done lately. Ask the Dodge dealer for a 10 year, 100k warranty, and they will laugh at you, or 5 years 60k full warranty and they will laugh more.

 

[Stump]

I have a 2012 Dodge Charger SXT and it is an awesome car! I’ve had a few recalls on it but other then that it’s been great. Hell I still have the original battery after 110,000 miles. I added a K&N CAI, Flowmaster 40’s, JEG chip and a Commando Throttle control, along with rear and front spoilers. I just installed the new Spyder headlights on them about a year ago. I love the looks and the sound and I get numerous compliments on it all the time. When they ask what year it is they are shocked when I tell them.

 

[washguy]

Great read ! So my new neighbor friend that has the 5 series that I smoked is getting a wide body charger he informed me.... wonder if I have a chance to beat him again with the new ride? It would kill him if I could.....lol
Wash

 

[Stump]

Great read ! So my new neighbor friend that has the 5 series that I smoked is getting a wide body charger he informed me.... wonder if I have a chance to beat him again with the new ride? It would kill him if I could.....lol
Wash

If you are referring to the Hellcat widebody I really don’t think a Stinger has a chance since the Hellcat has 700 hp vs 375 hp even with engine mods but good luck if it ever happens.

 

[Regs120]

So even with Lap3 or JB4 Map 2 with intakes, the charger should still take on the Stinger in a straight line at 12.3.

I would love to test my car out on the track or with a draggy, but I imagine without meth or Corn Juice, I am not going to get below 12.5 reliably.