2009 SRT8 Challenger Vs. 2009 370Z Sport
 

Odd comparison I know but I love both of these cars!

425HP/4100lbs (1HP to every 9.64lbs)
336HP/3100lbs (1HP to every 9.22lbs)

Both have almost identicle power to weight ratio's with the 370Z being the winner by a nose.

Invoice on an SRT8 is $37,270.

Invoice on a 370Z Sport is $30,645. Both with 6-spd.

I'm only interested in each for power/performance and of course looks, personal preference. I could give a crap about options of anykind. I just want the best engine/suspension/6-spd.

I'm looking at blue for each.

What are you guys pros/cons for these cars? I'm also posting this on the Challenger forum.

My wife and I were out for spin the other evening with a brand-new one zips past us at about 90-mph on 40-mph street. We followed it, and it is located close to where we live. The biggest difference is that you will be able to service and purchase parts for the 370Z; I seriously question whether you will be able to that with the new Challenger here in the near future. Dodge did a great job with this Challenger, but it is a bit too retro for me. I haven't driven the new Challenger, but the Z is a taut new car, and I like that a great deal.

These cars don't really share much in common.

One is big and has a lot of HP, will be fun in straight lines.
The other is smaller and more fun around corners.

My only advice would be to evaluate what kind of car you want before you decide what model car you want.

torquey v8 muscle or high revving japanese 2 seater.

Lol, that's my problem. I already own a Z and a Trans Am. I LOVE to drive BOTH! I was just posting to get opinions from actual owners before I pull the trigger you know...

You are the only one that can decide what you really want...some of the fun cars I've owned (all new) are a '73 and '76 and a '79 Trans Ams; an Audi GT (Quattro), Dodge Omni GLH, '00 Z/28 and Iv'e now had four "Zs" (an '04 an '07 an '08 and now my '09 370).

I've loved and enjoyed every single one of them but for different reasons.

At the moment, there are very, very few performance/sports cars I'd consider other than the 370 especiall if you want to stay in the $40K or less range.

wait i thought SRT8 doesnt come in manual? or you are saying it's 6-speed regardless of the type?

what's the torque on the SRT8? i bet u anything it's much more than the Z's, it's a huge engine

i agree that the 2 cars shouldnt be compared even if the output is the same. for instance the M3 produces 414 hp and 295 of torque, Ferrari 360 produces 420 hp with 275 of torque can the 2 be compared? HELL NO!!!

6-spd manual is an option for 2009...

Power: 318 kW , 425 HP SAE @ 6,200 rpm; 420 ft lb , 569 Nm @ 4,800 rpm

WOW im impressed.. i've always been so pissed that american cars seemed to have dropped manuals. awesome!!!
and yah i expected hella torque thanks for looking that up for me. googling is hard these days lol

Here is what I'm looking at the way I'd want them:

370Z
$31,594
Sport Package
Painted Splash Guards
Carpeted Floor Mats

Challenger
$39,646
B5 Pearlcoat Paint
Daytime Running Lights
CMA Chrysler Marketing Charge for CA
Gas Guzzler Tax
(I subtracted the "Destination Charge" whatever kind of B.S. that is lol)

you could prolly get a nice chunk of change off the SRT8.
i just wish they had nicer interiors...

I thought about getting a Challenger. Ever since I saw the first concept pics, I've been salivating for a chance to have one of these cars. But a funny thing happened on the way to owning a Dodge: I changed my mind!

The biggest reason is because, from reading the reviews, the Challenger is not gonna be much different from my current ride, a Mustang GT. Big, powerful engine, but not much handling to speak of and plenty of weight dragging it down. Why would I want more of that? :) I'm sick of that!

Then I see the 370Z. The clouds part, the sun shines and I know that *this* is the car that I need, not the Challenger. I've owned a Z in the past (well, two of them, but one I only had for a week before some idiot destroyed it when he failed to do what the sign told him to!), so I'm not such a stranger to the line.

But this one... this Z... mama mia, it's a-perfecto!

I still think the SRT8 is sex on wheels. I about go crazy when I see one. But the interior is what kills it for me. It's SO ugly. Liveable, but not what you'd expect. Hell they fixed the Mustang's for 2009-2010. The Camaro SS's interior is better looking too.

The Z is the overall package. And you dont have a gas guzzler tax of like a $1300 if you get the manual. $1000 if you keep the auto. LAME!!!

$1700 here in CA for it actually. I still think it's worth it, I wonder if my 300ZX will forgive me lol.

RE: Gas guzzler tax
 

Wow, no way I'd pay that! Stupid California! (this from a guy who was born and raised there)

I think that's another reason I'd rather have a Z: I think it'll be cheaper overall.

Buy the Z and turbocharge/uprate it. Then, for the same money as a Challenger you have a turbocharged Z - you said it was power you wanted...