Dodge Challenger Scat Pack 1320 vs Mustang GT Performance Pack: The Ultimate Drag Strip Showdown
Muscle Car Royalty Face Off at Great Lakes Dragaway
When two of America's most iconic muscle cars line up at the drag strip, enthusiasts take notice. MotorVero recently witnessed an exhilarating quarter-mile battle between the purpose-built Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 and the track-honed Ford Mustang GT with Performance Package 1. This wasn't just another comparison—it was a clash of philosophies in performance engineering.
Key Performance Figures at a Glance
Challenger 1320: Factory-claimed 11.7s quarter-mile at 115 mph
Mustang GT PP1: Previously recorded 11.9s quarter-mile
Power Difference: 25 hp advantage to the Challenger
Weight Difference: Mustang is approximately 200 lbs lighter
Named for the 1,320 feet that make up a quarter-mile, the Challenger Scat Pack 1320 represents Dodge's most drag-focused production model short of the legendary SRT Demon. This special edition inherits serious performance DNA from its extreme cousin while remaining street-legal and relatively affordable.
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Key Performance Features
Component
Specification
Engine
6.4L HEMI V8 (485 hp, 475 lb-ft)
Transmission
8-speed automatic with transbrake
Tires
Factory drag radials (275/40R20)
Suspension
Demon-derived shocks and tuning
Weight
4,225 lbs (with driver)
What makes the 1320 truly special is its turn-key drag readiness. Unlike modified street cars that sacrifice drivability, this Challenger comes from the factory with:
The Mustang GT Performance Pack 1: Track Weapon in Disguise
While not as single-mindedly focused as the Challenger, the Mustang GT with Performance Pack 1 brings its own formidable arsenal to the drag strip. Ford's approach emphasizes balanced performance, making this pony car capable on both road courses and straight-line battles.
Performance Highlights
Component
Specification
Engine
5.0L Coyote V8 (460 hp, 420 lb-ft)
Transmission
10-speed automatic with drag mode
Tires
Pirelli P Zero performance summer
Suspension
MagneRide adaptive dampers
Weight
~3,850 lbs (with driver)
The Mustang counters the Challenger's drag specialization with:
These cars represent fundamentally different solutions to the same performance equation. The Challenger 1320 follows traditional muscle car logic—big displacement, brute force, and specialized hardware. Meanwhile, the Mustang GT PP1 employs modern performance thinking—sophisticated electronics, adaptive systems, and multi-role capability.
Power Delivery Comparison
The HEMI V8 in the Challenger delivers its power with classic American muscle character—a strong low-end punch that builds linearly to its 6,000 rpm redline. Ford's Coyote engine, while slightly down on peak power, makes up for it with:
Higher 7,500 rpm redline
More aggressive top-end power curve
Better integration with the 10-speed's closely spaced ratios
Suspension and Launch Technology
Dodge's approach focuses purely on straight-line performance. The 1320's suspension is optimized exclusively for weight transfer during launches, with:
Softer front springs for weight transfer
Stiffer rear springs to prevent squat
Drag radial tires for maximum grip
Ford's MagneRide system takes a more sophisticated approach, automatically adjusting damping forces in milliseconds to:
On paper, the Challenger's drag-focused engineering and power advantage should give it a clear edge. However, real-world conditions and driver variables often rewrite the script. Our testing at Great Lakes Dragaway revealed some fascinating insights.
Launch Characteristics
The Challenger's transbrake and drag radials allow for:
Consistent 1.7-1.8 second 60-foot times
Minimal wheelspin even on marginal surfaces
Repeatable launches with minimal driver skill required
The Mustang, while lacking dedicated drag hardware, impressed with:
Surprisingly effective launch control
Quick-shifting 10-speed transmission
Excellent weight distribution for traction
Quarter-Mile Performance
Multiple runs showed both cars living up to their reputations:
Metric
Challenger 1320
Mustang GT PP1
Best ET
11.72 seconds
11.89 seconds
Top Speed
115.4 mph
117.1 mph
60-ft Time
1.78 seconds
1.85 seconds
Interestingly, while the Challenger was quicker off the line and through the quarter-mile, the Mustang actually showed a higher trap speed, suggesting better top-end pull once moving.
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Beyond the Numbers: The Driving Experience
While elapsed times tell one story, the subjective experience reveals another dimension to this comparison.
Challenger 1320 Behind the Wheel
The Dodge delivers an authentic old-school drag racing feel:
Violent initial acceleration
Distinct rear squat during launch
Mechanical, visceral feedback
Purposeful but compromised street manners
Mustang GT PP1 Driving Dynamics
Ford's approach yields a more polished experience:
Smoother, more progressive power delivery
Better high-speed stability
More communicative steering
Superior ride quality in normal driving
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Which Muscle Car Makes the Better Drag Racer?
The answer depends on your priorities as an enthusiast:
Choose the Challenger 1320 If You Want:
The most turn-key drag experience
Classic muscle car character
The quickest possible ETs with minimal modification
That authentic drag strip feel
Choose the Mustang GT PP1 If You Prefer:
More versatile performance
Higher-tech driving experience
Better daily drivability
Stronger top-end pull
Ultimately, both cars prove that modern muscle cars offer incredible straight-line performance right from the factory. The Challenger 1320 lives up to its drag-racing namesake, while the Mustang GT PP1 demonstrates that well-rounded performance cars can still deliver stunning quarter-mile times.
