Dodge Challenger R/T vs Scat Pack: Which Performance Package Is Right for You?

Sadly, the muscle car segment is being phased out in the American market, but that doesn’t mean that car enthusiasts aren’t still interested in owning a Dodge Challenger. For those still keen on getting your hands on one of these iconic modern-day muscle car classics, you might have heard about two popular trim packages for the Challenger: the R/T and the Scat Pack. While new model year outings for the Challenger featuring the classic V8s have come to an end, you can still shop for the respective R/T and Scat Pack trims at a used Dodge dealership.

However, before jumping in and buying one, it’s probably best to understand what you get with each of these Challenger trims. The R/T and the Scat Pack are both mid-tier trims, so they offer similar features but also have some distinct differences.

Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger R/T is a mid-tier trim, above the base SXT and the GT. The R/T is only available in rear-wheel drive and comes with the 5.7L Eagle HEMI V8. The powertrain makes 375 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the Charger’s R/T trim, the Challenger’s R/T offers an optional Tremec six-speed manual transmission. However, if you still want the power of the HEMI without the clutch action of the manual transmission, you can opt for the standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the outside, you have the performance hood with the hood scoops, performance suspension, the SRT front splitter, and 20-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels. The R/T includes halogen headlights, LED brake lights, and LED daytime running lights. Inside, you will find dual-zone front air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and power windows. The R/T also offers performance steering with a manual telescoping steering column. The Challenger R/T’s seating consists of an eight-way power driver seat with two-way lumbar support and a four-way manual front passenger seat.

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack is another mid-tier trim that sits between the basic R/T and the R/T Scat Pack Widebody trim. The R/T Scat Pack features everything from the R/T trim and then some. It swaps the 5.7L Eagle HEMI V8 for the 6.4L 392 HEMI V8. This much larger and more powerful engine produces up to 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack also comes standard with the six-speed manual transmission.

The R/T Scat Pack features additional exterior modifications, including two additional hood vents on each side of the center hood scoop and black accents on certain exterior components, such as the fuel cap. The Scat Pack comes with 20-inch low-gloss granite crystal aluminum wheels with a radial ten-spoke rim design. The brakes are upgraded to four-wheel Brembo performance four-piston discs with line lock and launch control functionality. There are various other highlights, such as the heated front seats and steering wheel, as well as the uConnect 4C with an 8.4-inch touchscreen including the SRT Performance Pages.

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody

One other trim is available at the top end of the R/T and Scat Pack offerings, known as the R/T Scat Pack Widebody. This particular trim is quite interesting, as it’s visually quite different from the other trims. This is because it comes with a widebody kit, as the trim name implies. It carries over many of the same features from the R/T Scat Pack but with some very obvious and notable upgrades, specifically with the SRT exterior performance package. This includes a much larger front splitter, extended fender flares, and a completely different front fascia, including a more aggressive vented lower bumper.

While the powertrain is the same 6.4L 392 HEMI V8 as the standard R/T Scat Pack, the Widebody suspension sees some upgrades. Bilstein’s adaptive damping suspension provides customizable settings for ride stiffness, perfect for those who plan on taking their Challenger to the race track. Additionally, upgraded Brembo performance brakes are included, with six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers for the rear wheels. Finally, the Widebody comes with 20×11-inch carbon black forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli’s P Zero 20-inch all-season tires.

R/T or Scat Pack?

At the outset, you might automatically think there is no better option than the Challenger R/T Scatpack Widebody. However, if you don’t plan on taking your Challenger to the local track or drag strip, do you really need to go with such beastly trim? On the flip side, you might think that the R/T is the most affordable of the bunch, and cheaper is better, so that makes it the best choice. But what if you wanted that extra powertrain performance and stopping power with the Brembo brake kit?

This can easily make choosing between these trim variations difficult for some drivers. It all depends on what you’re willing to spend and what you want out of the car. Both the R/T and the Scat Pack trims seat five people, and both come with a variation of the HEMI V8, with a difference in the displacement and the overall power output. If you want a more livable daily driver, the R/T wins hands down, as it is available with the eight-speed automatic transmission and offers slightly better fuel economy compared to the Scat Pack trims, topping out at an EPA-estimated 15 MPG in the city while the Scat Pack variations get 14 MPG. Both versions get 23 MPG on the highway, so fuel economy may not make a difference if most of your driving is on the open road.

However, if you want more power under the hood, a better sport-tuned suspension, and fancier wheels, the Scat Pack trims offer a better deal. You get a larger displacement HEMI with more horsepower and torque, meaning better performance off the line and better top-end speeds, along with improved stopping power with the Brembo kit. The added SRT Performance Pages app that features telemetry recordings and the ability to export the data to other devices is a huge boon for those who want to keep track of their performance and how to tune their Challenger to hit that sweet spot.

Of course, there is the elephant in the room: the price. There is a significant difference in pricing between the R/T, the Scat Pack, and the Scat Pack Widebody. When new, the 2023 Challenger R/T had a starting MSRP of $41,640, while the R/T Scat Pack had a starting MSRP of $49,265, and the R/T Scat Pack Widebody started at $57,260. When shopping for a used Challenger, there will still be a significant difference between the different trims. If you’re shopping on a budget, a used R/T or used R/T Scat Pack might be preferable. If you can afford to spend a little more thanks to the lower prices of used vehicles, an R/T Scat Pack or R/T Scat Pack Widebody might drop into your price range.

Get Help Shopping for the Right Challenger

If you’re shopping for your Challenger at a used Dodge dealership, then look to Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paris to help you sort through the trims you’re looking to buy and answer any questions you might have about the performance, the price, or the overall package. Whether you’re keen on getting the R/T or the Scat Pack variations, contact us to learn more about shopping for the right Challenger to suit your driving preferences and budget.

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