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The race is on! So far, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is going way too fast for the 2021 Chevy Camaro. The Dodge Challenger is actually outpacing the 2021 Ford Mustang too, so let’s see what it’s challenging them with. 

The 2021 Dodge Challenger outsells the Chevy Camaro 

A red 2021 Dodge Challenger parked on the track
2021 Dodge Challenger | Dodge

Despite facing limited production due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is killing it. The Challenger sold 15,051 units in the second quarter of 2021, representing a 50 percent increase in sales compared to the first quarter of 2020. 

The 2021 Ford Mustang wasn’t far behind, with 14,675 units sold in Q2. But the 2021 Chevy Camaro seemed to find itself in trouble. Only 2,792 units were sold. But the Camaro is facing a few issues, such as limited visibility and an aging design. 

Fans are still swooned by the Ford Mustang. It outsold the Challenger by about 1,800 units in the first quarter of 2021. So, perhaps the chip shortage is to blame. But the Challenger is a worthy rival with the most comfortable interior out of the three options. 

How does the Challenger perform? 

A white 2021 Ford Mustang parked on the track
2021 Ford Mustang | Ford

The 2021 Dodge Challenger has four engine options. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with 303 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivers 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. 

You can upgrade to the 6.4-liter V8 engine for 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. Last and definitely not least, the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi SRT V8 engine cranks out 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque. 

With the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder base engine provides 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-liter V6 engine pumps out 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 6.2-liter V8 engine for 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. 

The 2021 Ford Mustang has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder base engine with 339 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 5.0-liter V8 engine for 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. So, the Mustang has the most powerful base engine, and the Challenger has the most options with the most powerful engine. 

On the track, the Dodge Challenger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, the Chevy Camaro gets there in 4.1 seconds, and the Ford Mustang reaches 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds. 

Does the Challenger have the best features? 

A red 2021 Chevy Camaro racing down the road
2021 Chevy Camaro | Chevrolet

The ride quality of the 2021 Ford Mustang could be just as smooth and impressive as the Challengers. The Chevy Camaro also has a quiet interior. But the 2021 Dodge Challenger has the largest backseat. 

The Mustang gains points for having more modern tech features while the camera in the Challenger has outdated graphics. But the Mustang’s interior features hard plastics, and the Camero is lacking in both areas. On that note, the Challenger’s interior has plastics and rubber materials too. 

You can get started in a new Dodge Challenger for about $28,870. The 2021 Ford Mustang begins at about $27,205, and the 2021 Chevy Camaro starts at around $25,000. 

With the Camaro starting at a significantly lower price, we’re surprised that it isn’t selling more units. None of these options come with standard safety features, but you can add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and more. 

We recommend taking the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang on test drives to help pick the better option for your needs. The Challenger might be a little more difficult to maneuver due to its larger size, but the extra storage space makes it more practical. Also, the Camaro has a few things to work on if it wants to survive.

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