The muscle-car era continues into 2019 with two stalwarts in the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. Like true muscle cars, both have affordable performance options and wild range-topping models that enter supercar levels of performance, Which of these muscle cars is best for our Jacksonville buyers? Find out below.
Exterior
Though it debuted five model years ago in 2015, the 2019 Ford Mustang still looks super modern stylish. It boasts a sloped nose, plenty of cuts and angles, and sleek lighting that makes it look to date with the times without abandoning its roots. Plus, as you move into the Shelby GT350 trims, the Mustang looks downright menacing.
The 2019 Challenger makes the Mustang look like a spring chicken, as it went through its last redesign in 2008. Granted, it has seen many updates since then, including some sportier models, like the insane SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models. While its dated looks may weigh on some buyers’ minds, the Challenger is a retro muscle car if you’ve ever seen one, so it has its target demographic.
Like the Mustang Shelby GT350, the Challenger SRT Hellcat looks the part of a legit muscle car, and it has the horsepower to back it up.
| Measurement | 2019 Ford Mustang | 2019 Dodge Challenger | Difference |
| Length | 188.5 inches | 197.5 to 197.9 inches | -9 to -9.4 inches |
| Width | 75.4 inches | 75.7 to 78.3 inches | -0.3 to -2.9 inches |
| Height | 54.3 to 54.9 inches | 57 to 57.5 inches | -2.1 to -3.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 116.2 inches | -9.1 inches |
| Ground Clearance |
|
|
|
| Curb weight | 3,531 to 3,950 pounds | 3,858 to 4,492 pounds | -327 to -542 pounds |
Advantage: 2019 Ford Mustang
- Super-modern looks
- Aggressive GT350 model
- Smaller and nimbler
- Big weight savings
Advantage: 2019 Dodge Challenger
- Look mean in every trim
- True American muscle car
Interior
Like its exterior, the 2019 Ford Mustang’s cabin takes on a more modern look with its round vents, ambient lighting, three-spoke steering wheel, and thin dashboard. The Dodge Challenger, on the other hand, uses a more classic design with its bulkier instrument panel, seats, and steering wheel. That said, the Challenger’s Uconnect infotainment options are anything but retro with their available 8.4-inch touchscreen and Performance Pages.
Because the 2019 Dodge Challenger is so much larger than the Mustang, it also has a pile more interior room. This is clear with its 4.1 inches of extra rear legroom and 2.3 extra inches of rear headroom. The only area the Mustang gets one up on the Challenger is its extra 3.1 inches of front legroom.
| Measurement | 2019 Ford Mustang | 2019 Dodge Challenger | Difference |
| Front headroom | 37.6 inches | 39.3 inches | -1.7 inches |
| Front legroom | 45.1 inches | 42 inches | +3.1 inches |
| Front shoulder room | 56.3 inches | 58.5 inches | -2.2 inches |
| Front hip room | 54.9 inches | 55.3 inches | -0.4 inches |
| Rear headroom | 34.8 inches | 37.1 inches | -2.3 inches |
| Rear legroom | 29 inches | 33.1 inches | -4.1 inches |
| Rear shoulder room | 52.2 inches | 53.9 inches | -1.7 inches |
| Rear hip room | 47.4 inches | 47.8 inches | -0.4 inches |
| Luggage capacity | 13.5 cubic feet | 16.2 cubic feet | -2.7 cubic feet |
Advantage: 2019 Ford Mustang
- Modern cabin
- All the latest bells and whistles
Advantage: 2019 Dodge Challenger
- Classic-styled interior
- Advanced infotainment system
Performance
Both the 2019 Mustang and 2019 Challenger have a plethora of engine options to meet a wide variety of shoppers. The Mustang is unique with its base turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out a hefty 310 horsepower and launches this coupe to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. The Challenger’s base V-6 engine cannot hang with the low-end pull the Mustang’s four-pot delivers.
Moving through both vehicles’ first three powertrain options, the Mustang has the leg up in power and acceleration. But the Challenger’s top-end Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models are too potent for even the mighty Mustang Shelby GT350.
The Mustang, however, has a lighter body and sportier suspension that handles cornering better than any version of the Challenger. The Challenger comes back to give buyers optional all-wheel drive for better grip in slippery conditions, but it is only available with the V-6 engine.
| 2019 Ford Mustang | 2019 Dodge Challenger | [Difference] | |
| Standard engine | 2.3-liter turbo 4-cyl | 3.6-liter V-6 |
|
| Horsepower | 310 hp at 5,500 rpm | 305 hp at 6,350 rpm | +5 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm | 268 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm | +82 lb-ft |
| 0-60 time | 5.3 seconds | 6 seconds | -0.7 seconds |
| Optional engine | 5.0-liter V-8 | 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 |
|
| Horsepower | 460 hp at 7,000 rpm | 375 hp at 5,150 rpm | +85 hp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm | 410 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm | +10 lb-ft |
| 0-60 time | 3.9 seconds | 5.1 seconds | -1.2 seconds |
| Optional engine | 5.2-liter V-8 | 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 |
|
| Horsepower | 526 hp at 7,500 rpm | 485 hp at 6,100 rpm | +41 hp |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm | 475 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm | -46 lb-ft |
| 0-60 time | 3.9 seconds | 4.4 – 4.7 seconds | -0.5 to -0.8 seconds |
| Optional engine |
|
6.2-liter supercharged V-8 |
|
| Horsepower |
|
717 hp at 6,000 rpm | -191 hp |
| Torque |
|
656 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm | -227 lb-ft |
| 0-60 time |
|
3.5 seconds | +0.4 seconds |
| Optional engine |
|
6.2-liter supercharged high-output V-8 |
|
| Horsepower | – | 797 hp at 6,300 rpm | -271 hp |
| Torque | – | 707 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm | -278 lb-ft |
| 0-60 time | – | 3.4 seconds | -0.5 seconds |
| Standard transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automatic |
|
| Optional transmission | 10-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
|
| Driveline | RWD | RWD (std.) / AWD (opt.) |
|
| MPG City | 15-21 mpg | 13-19 mpg. | +2 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24-32 mpg | 21-30 mpg | +2 to +11 mpg |
| MPG Combined | 18-25 mpg | 16-23 mpg | +2 mpg |
Advantage: 2019 Ford Mustang
- Significantly quicker in its base and midrange models
- Better handling
- Track-ready GT350 models
Advantage: 2019 Dodge Challenger
- Drag-strip-prepped Hellcat models
- Available all-wheel drive
Pricing and Features
The 2019 Ford Mustang is available in seven trims — EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Bullitt, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R — and their base prices range from $26,395 to $67,135.
The 2019 Dodge Challenger has six trims — SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye — and their starting prices range from $27,845 to $71,695.
2019 Ford Mustang Key Features and Pricing by Trim
EcoBoost: $26,395
- 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Launch control
- Electric line lock
- Adjustable electric power steering
- 17-inch Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels
- Dual bright exhaust tips
- Hood vents
- LED parking lights
- LED turn signals
- LED taillights with sequential signals
- LED headlights with auto-on/off
- LED signature lighting
- Body-color, power mirrors with integrated blind-spot mirrors
- Variable-intermittent windshield wipers
- Carbon Zag instrument-panel finish
- Manual climate control
- First-row floor mats
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Leather-wrapped parking brake
- Power door locks
- Two 12-volt power outlets
- Satin-chrome vents
- Four-way manual driver’s seat
- Two-way manual passenger’s seat
- Split-folding rear seat
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Sunglasses bin
- Power windows with one-touch-up/down
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Advanced anti-theft system
- SYNC infotainment system
- Enhance voice recognition
- 4.2-inch LCD center screen
- AppLink
- Two smart-charging USB ports
- Six-speaker AM/FM/MP3 audio system
- TrackApps
- Illuminated entry
- Ford MyKey
- Rearview camera
- SOS post-crash alert
EcoBoost Premium: $31,410
- All EcoBoost features, plus
- Selectable drive modes
- Blade decklid spoiler
- LED fog lights
- Pony projection lights
- 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with Ebony Black inserts
- Aluminum pedals
- Ambient lighting with MyColor
- Angled Brush aluminum trim
- Bright door-speaker surrounds
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Illuminated door-sill scuff plates
- Premium door trim
- Six-way power front seats
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Leather front seats
- Leatherette rear seats
- Heated mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Rear parking sensors
- SYNC 3 infotainment system
- Enhanced voice recognition
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Nine-speaker audio system
- SiriusXM
- Universal garage door opener
GT: $35,355
- All EcoBoost features, plus
- 5.0-liter V-8 engine
- Engine-oil cooler
- Larger brake rotors with four-piston calipers
- Rev-matching
- 18-inch machine-face aluminum wheels with high-gloss ebony pockets
- “5.0L” fender badge
- Dual exhaust with quad tips
- GT rear applique badge
- LED fog lights
- Raise blade decklid spoiler
- High-gloss-black grille
- Unique rear valance
- Six-way power front seats
- Silver Arrow aluminum instrument panel
- Rear parking sensors
GT Premium: $39,355
- All GT features, plus
- Pony projection lights
- Aluminum foot pedals
- Ambient lighting with MyColor
- Angle Brush aluminum trim
- Automatic dual-zone climate control
- Illuminated door-sill panels
- Premium door trim
- Leather front seats
- Leatherette rear seats
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Heated mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Nine-speaker audio system with amplifier
- SiriusXM
- SYNC 3 infotainment system
- Enhanced voice recognition
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Two smart-charging USB ports
- Universal garage door opener
Bullitt: $46,595
- All GT Premium features, plus
- Active-valve performance exhaust
- Brembo six-piston front calipers
- Larger brake rotors
- Vacuum and oil-pressure gauges
- Heavy-duty front springs
- Increased top speed
- Larger radiator
- GT350 intake manifold
- Open air induction system
- Red-painted brake calipers
- Revised computer programming
- TORSEN rear differential
- Unique chassis tuning
- Larger rear sway bar
- K brace
- Silver-painted strut-tower brace with BULLITT badge
- 19-inch five-spoke heritage wheels with summer-only tires
- Bright machined-aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets
- Bright beltline and window surround
- Dark exhaust tips
- Faux BULLITT gas cap on rear applique
- Spoiler delete
- Unique grille without pony badge
- Unique lower grille
- 12-inch digital instrument cluster with MyColor
- BULLITT aluminum door-sill scuff plates
- BULLITT instrument panel badge and unique chassis number
- BULLITT logo on driver’s air bag cover
- Green accent stitching
- Heated steering wheel
- Spindrift aluminum trim
- White cue-ball shifter
- Active anti-theft system
Shelby GT350: $59,140
- 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V-8 engine
- Six-speed TREMEC manual transmission
- Differential cooler
- Electronic exhaust valves
- Engine-oil cooler
- Transmission cooler
- 19-inch GT350 wheels
- Six-piston Brembo front calipers
- Four-piston Brembo rear calipers
- Two-piece rotors
- Magnetic ride control
- Launch control
- Pedestal rear spoiler
- Daytime running lights
- HID daytime running lights
- LED signature lighting
- Hood vents
- LED sequential taillights
- Gloss-black mirror caps
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Aluminum pedals
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Automatic-on/off headlights
- Floor mats
- Keyless unlock
- Keyless ignition
- LEather-wrapped parking brake handle
- Ford MyKey
- Power windows with one-touch-up/down
- Track Apps
- Universal garage-door opener
- Nine-speaker audio system with amplifier
- SiriusXM
- SYNC 3 infotainment system
- In-car Wi-Fi
- Two smart-charging USB ports
- Miko Suede door panels
- Ford Performance scuff plates
- Four-way manual driver’s seat
- Two-way manual passenger’s seat
- 50/50 split-folding rear seat
- Leather-and-Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel
- RECARO cloth and Miko sport seats with Dark Slate accents
- Remote keyless entry
- Perimeter alarm
- Rearview camera
Shelby GT350R: $67,135
- 19-inch carbon-fiber wheels
- Carbon-fiber rear wing
- Hood vents
2019 Dodge Challenger Key Features and Pricing by Trim
SXT: $27,845
- 3.6-liter V-6 engine
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
- Cruise control
- Hill-start assist
- Sport mode
- 18-inch cast aluminum wheels
- Stainless-steel dual exhaust with integrated bright tips
- Electric power steering
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Body-color door handles
- Keyless entry
- Keyless ignition
- Satin-chrome grille
- Bi-function halogen projector headlights with quad-halo LED surrounds
- LED daytime running lights
- Automatic-on/off headlights
- LED taillights with gloss-black surround
- Power, body-color mirrors with heat
- Rear spoiler
- Power window with one-touch down
- Variable-intermittent wipers
- Two front 12-volt power outlets
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power door locks
- Front and rear floor mats
- Dodge Performance Pages
- Dark Dub Plate aluminum interior trim
- LED map lights
- LED rear courtesy lights
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Houndstooth sport cloth seats
- Six-way power driver’s seat
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Uconnect 4 infotainment system
- 7-inch touchscreen
- AM/FM audio system with six speakers
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Two USB ports
- Rearview camera
- Rain brake support
- Ready alert braking
GT: $30,395
- All SXT features, plus
- 20-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels
- Performance brake package
- Performance steering system
- Remote ignition
- Performance-tuned suspension
- Projector fog lights
- Performance hood with functional hood scoop
- Houndstooth performance cloth
- Performance “four-bump” leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Universal garage door opener
- Rear parking sensors
R/T: $34,245
- All GT features, plus
- 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Active performance exhaust with dual bright tips
- Bright pedals
R/T Scat Pack: $39,995
- All R/T features, plus
- 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine
- Performance brakes with black brake calipers
- SRT configurable drive modes
- Severe-duty cooling system
- Launch assist
- Launch control
- Line lock
- High-performance suspension
- Satin-black fuel door
- Gloss-black grille
- Bi-functional HID headlights with air catcher headlights
- Aluminum hood with center air intake and dual heat extractors
- Satin-black rear spoiler
- 20-inch Black Noise aluminum wheels
- SRT Performance Pages
- Houndstooth performance cloth seats with Scat Pack logo
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Uconnect 4C infotainment system
- 8.4-inch touchscreen
- CD/DVD/MP3 player
- SiriusXM
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- 276-watt six-speaker audio system
SRT Hellcat: $60,695
- Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8
- Six-piston front calipers and 15.4-inch front rotors
- Four-piston rear calipers and 13.8-inch rear rotors
- Red brake calipers
- Heavy-duty anti-spin rear axle
- After-run supercharger cooler
- Black-tipped exhaust
- Open air-box induction
- Intercooler
- Competition suspension
- Adaptive SRT suspension with Sport and Track modes
- Torque reserve
- Bi-functional HID headlights with illuminated air catcher
- Aluminum hood with dual scoops
- Satin-black performance spoiler
- 20-inch SRT low-gloss-black performance wheels
- Performance shift indicator
- Houndstooth performance cloth seats with Hellcat logo
- SRT leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel
SRT Hellcat Redeye: $71,695
- 6.2-liter high-output V-8 engine
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- SRT power chiller
- Remote ignition
Who Should Buy the 2019 Ford Mustang?
The 2019 Ford Mustang is for buyers looking for all-around performance. It not only offers incredible straight-line speed, but it can also handle the twisty stuff better than the bulky Challenger.
Who Should Buy the 2019 Dodge Challenger?
The Challenger is the perfect muscle car for the nostalgic type that loves the looks of classic muscle cars. Also, buyers looking for pure bragging rights will have plenty with the 717-horsepower Hellcat and 797-horsepower Hellcat Redeye models.
Ready to terrorize the asphalt of Jacksonville area in the 2019 Ford Mustang? Head down to Garber Automall serving the Orange Park and Fleming Island areas to take it for a test drive. It will not disappoint you. Can’t make it to our Jacksonville area dealership today? Navigate to our new car inventory page to see what 2019 Mustang models we have in stock, choose one that suits you, and schedule a future test drive.
