Chevrolet and its rivalry with Ford and Dodge have always been a fierce. All equally capable in the muscle car scene yet the battle to edge over one another never ends. The Chevrolet Camaro has a loyal following, as does the Dodge Challenger. While the latter stays true to its muscle car roots, the Chevy, on the other hand, has become a bit more civilized.
Both the Camaro ZL1 and Challenger Hellcats are cars that need no introduction. One’s straight out of hell, while the other’s there to send it back. If you ever doubted which one of these American thoroughbreds is better, here’s Freedom Street Garage with a test, pitting the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and the Chevy Camaro ZL1 in a 1/8-mile drag race. We agree, it’s a bit different from the usual quarter-mile exercise we’re accustomed to, but a change is always refreshing.
The result did leave us surprised, but both cars were at their maximum when crossing the line. It was a legit multi-run attempt with no last-second throttle shenanigans, if you were wondering. Oh, the Chevy won, by the way.
Before discussing the why's and how's, here’s Freedom Street Garage offering you the chance to win this exact Camaro ZL1 and another $10,000 cash as part of their giveaway. For more details, head on to their website.
Meet The Contestants: 2022 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Chevrolet Camaro has morphed into something between a sports car and a muscle car. But before you get discouraged, the combination has benefited the Camaro in multiple ways. Thanks to the sports car-derived traits, the Camaro doesn’t feel like a boat when pitched into a corner, something the Dodge Challenger can only dream about. Additionally, the interiors feel a step above the Challenger, which you will notice as you spend time with the two. But more importantly, the Camaro can equally be good at laying straight elevens as it is at going to the mall.
With the ZL1, though, the Camaro becomes a whole different animal. Under the hood sits a 6.2L supercharged V8 pushing out 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Chevy has supplied the ZL1 with a 1.7L supercharger and 10 heat exchangers to keep the internals cool. On top of that, the muscle car gets Magnetic ride control with selectable driving modes. Braking comes courtesy of high-performance Brembo brakes, six-piston front, and four-piston rear. Oh, the ZL1 also features a limited-slip diff and a 10-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels only. When it comes to the ZL1, performance and style take precedence over matters such as cup holders and cargo space.
Meet The Contestants: 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
It’s no surprise that the lines between a sports car and a muscle car are getting blurred in today’s motoring lingo. But the fact is, if there’s any car that we’d call proper muscle, it’s the Challenger, specifically, the Hellcat. What you find under the hood is a 6.2L supercharged Hemi putting out a whopping 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. Okay, that’s a lot of oomph, but bear in mind the Challenger is getting a bit old. For something that handles like a boat, the Challenger—despite its age—is still a force to be reckoned with.
Speaking of handling, Dodge equips the Hellcat with Bilstein active suspension, in addition to six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes. The supercharged Hemi sends power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic, with a limited-slip differential thrown in for better traction.
As for the inside, it won't wow you with hi-tech electronic wizardry. You get the usual U-connect 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Everything else is the same as any Challenger, to be honest. But the Hellcat was never about shouty interiors. It’s the raw unadulterated experience that you’re paying for. If you are wondering, the Hellcat has a 2.4L supercharger, which is about the size of most mainstream car engines. So clearly, it’s meant for speed and speed only.
Camaro ZL1 Vs Challenger Hellcat: The 1/8-mile Drag Race Left Us Surprised
As you can tell, the competitors are no slouch. However, Chevy took the win fair and square. At 3,886 lbs, the ZL1 is significantly lighter than the 4,415-pound Challenger, giving the Camaro an advantage despite being down on power. But truth be told, the results would’ve been different had it been a quarter-mile race. The Chevy did lead the race early on, but you can see the Challenger catching up. Establishing that horsepower still reigns superior. However, what the ZL1 managed to do despite having nearly 100 horsepower less is something worth appreciating. Give Freedom Street Garage a follow to stay updated on what’s coming up next.
Sources: Freedom Street Garage