Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat RWD vs Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback FWD

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat RWD epitomizes the essence of American muscle cars. This model stands out not just for its sheer power but also for its practicality as a daily driver. Despite its four doors and ample trunk space, making it suitable for family use, the SRT Hellcat goes beyond the ordinary with staggering power figures. It boasts a 707 horsepower engine, which can be upgraded to 797 horsepower in the Hellcat Redeye trim. These specs are more akin to what one might expect from a car gracing the high-speed circuits like Talladega’s Superspeedway rather than a suburban street. This is definitely not your average rental-spec Charger; it’s a powerhouse designed for those who crave speed and performance without compromising on utility.

In contrast, the Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback FWD represents a different approach to car design, focused more on practicality and everyday usability. Introduced later in its model life, the hatchback variant of the Cruze offers a more versatile and spacious alternative to the sedan. Available from 2017 to 2019, the LT trim for the hatchback was positioned as a higher-end option compared to its sedan counterpart, justifying a slightly higher price point with better features. As the entry-level trim for the hatchback, it targets consumers looking for a compact car that combines the convenience of a hatchback with the amenities typically found in a mid-tier sedan.

The stark contrast in performance capabilities between these two cars is evident from their power outputs. The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat's 6.2-liter supercharged V8 churns out a monumental 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, with the Hellcat Redeye trim pushing those numbers to 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft. This immense power, along with a curb weight of 4,654 pounds, ensures that the Charger delivers explosive acceleration and remarkable top-end speed.

In comparison, the Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback’s turbocharged 1.4-liter engine offers a more modest 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Given its lighter curb weight of 2,982 pounds, the Cruze focuses on efficiency and agility, tailored to navigate city environments rather than dominating race tracks.

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat RWD is equipped with a robust 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, which is paired with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel drive setup propels the Charger from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds in the Hellcat Redeye version, showcasing its capability to deliver extreme performance that is exhilarating yet surprisingly refined for such a high-powered vehicle.

The Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback FWD, on the other hand, is powered by a more modest turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 engine. This engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, focusing on providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. This setup, coupled with the car's front-wheel drive, emphasizes comfort and practical urban driving over outright speed and acceleration.

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat RWD is significantly larger than the Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback, measuring 201.0 inches in length with a wheelbase of 120 inches. Its considerable width of 78.3 inches complements its muscular aesthetics and road presence.

The Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback, more compact and suited for tight urban spaces, is 175.3 inches long with a 106.3-inch wheelbase. It is also narrower, at 70.5 inches wide. The slight difference in height, with the Charger at 57.6 inches and the Cruze at 57.7 inches, is negligible, affecting neither car's overall spatial efficiency significantly.