New car models enter the dealerships across the world every time. There is always an intense competition between these different car models. For the 2014 model year, car manufacturers have improved their products and the competition among the car models is about to get even more intense. Two of the cars people are waiting to see are the 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and 2014 SRT Barracuda.
Initially, the Barracuda was considered to be in line to replace the Dodge Challenger. We have now confirmed that the new SRT Barracuda will be introduced to the market sometime in 2014 and a new Challenger has also been planned for that model year. So, all the rumors we have heard about the demise of the Dodge Challenger are wrong; instead of killing it off, Dodge has decided to redesign the car. Buyers are now faced with a difficult decision to make; they have to decide if they want to go for the 2014 SRT Barracuda or 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT.
Powertrain
Although the redesigned Dodge challenger SRT 2014 may use the basic architecture used by the current model, we expect its wheelbase to be reduced. From what we heard, the new generation car will offer both V6 and Hemi V8 engine options so as to compete with the Mustang V6/GT and Camaro V6/SS. We have not confirmed if the engine is the 6.4L motor currently used by SRT8 models or a new one. We cannot also rule out the revamped version of the 5.7L engine rated at 400 horsepower used by R/T at the moment.
The car will come with some standard features such as heated front seats, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control, a 276-watt Acoustics sound system and Uconnect entertainment system with a touchscreen display.
When the 2014 Barracuda enters the showroom, it will be the newest member of the Chrysler family with SRT (Street Racing Technology). Much is not known about the car at the moment but we know that it will be built on an entirely different platform from the Challenger; the platform is about 6 inches shorter than the one used on the Challenger. A smaller platform was chosen so that it can have a stronger global appeal. According to a report, the SRT Barracuda will be introduced with a new supercharged 6.2L V8 engine and it will compete with the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
The thought of the two new SRTs in the garage is awesome but they will not come cheap. The pricing details for 2014 Challenger and the SRT Barracuda 2014 model have not been announced, but we expect their base prices to be around $44,420 and $60,000 respectively. The two cars should get to the dealerships in the fall of 2013.
So, if you have to pick between these two, which would you pick, 2014 SRT Barracuda or 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT? With the increasing awareness of fuel economy, I believe the smaller and lighter Barracuda is a better buy.
2 comments
Stephen
January 31, 2013 at 8:25 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
With increasing awareness of fuel economy?
What kind of person do you think buys SRT vehicles? Those interested in fuel economy? We’re someone to spend $16,000.00 more for the lighter Cuda, they could by $5.00 a gallon gas and drive the Challenger (assuming 20mpg) for 64,000 miles.
Does anybody taute the MPG figures of Shelby Mustangs or ZL-1 Camaros?
No!! No one cares!! Does anyone seriously consider MPG when picking out a 40-70k muscle car?
I seriously hope not!!!
A 2 MPG difference on a car driving 12,000 miles per year is a cost of $195.00 assuming car A. Challenger is getting 24mpg and car B. Cuda is getting 26. This equates to a $195.00 less in annual fuel costs for the Cuda.
Is that really going to affect your buying decision?
Brian Adams
January 14, 2014 at 5:51 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I just wanted to chime in i agree 100% we who buy muscle cars don’t care about mpg.I have a 2013 challenger at the moment but might trade up to a new cuda when they come out in the fall.Look forward to seeing them up close.