The Dodge SRT and Dodge Hellcat are both high performance variants of Dodge vehicles. The SRT models date back to the early 2000s, while the Hellcat models were introduced more recently in 2014. Both offer incredible straight line performance in muscle cars and SUVs. But which one is better?
SRT Overview
SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology. It designates the high performance trim levels of Dodge vehicles. SRT models feature extensive upgrades over the standard trims, including:
- More powerful engines
- Performance suspensions
- Upgraded brakes
- Sportier styling
- Interior upgrades
Some of the most iconic SRT models include:
- Dodge Viper SRT: One of the most potent American sports cars ever with over 600 horsepower.
- Dodge Challenger SRT: Delivers 485+ horsepower in various Challenger coupe models.
- Dodge Charger SRT: The 485+ horsepower sedan version of the Charger.
- Dodge Durango SRT: A 360+ horsepower performance SUV.
- Dodge Ram SRT10: The previous generation high performance Ram pickup.
While SRT started with just the Viper, it has expanded to include performance variants of many vehicles in the Dodge lineup. SRT represents the pinnacle of Dodge performance – until the Hellcat came along.
Hellcat Overview
The Hellcat models are the most powerful SRT versions of Dodge vehicles. Launched in 2014, Hellcat models feature a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 engine codenamed Hellcrate. This engine cranks out 707 horsepower in most applications.
Some key Hellcat models include:
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – Up to 717 horsepower.
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat – Up to 707 horsepower.
- Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat – 710 horsepower SUV.
- Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock – 807 horsepower with modifications.
The Hellcat models represent the pinnacle of modern Dodge performance. They are the most powerful American production cars today, putting up numbers once reserved for exotic supercars.
Power and Performance
When it comes to power, the Hellcat models dominate. Here is a comparison of some key SRT and Hellcat models:
| Model | Engine | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger SRT | 6.4L V8 | 485 HP |
| Challenger Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 707 HP |
| Charger SRT | 6.4L V8 | 485 HP |
| Charger Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 707 HP |
| Durango SRT | 6.4L V8 | 475 HP |
| Durango Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 710 HP |
Clearly the Hellcat models have a significant power advantage, with over 200 additional horsepower in some matchups. All of this allows the Hellcat versions to achieve 0-60 mph times in the low 3 second range, with 1/4 mile times in the 10 second range. They provide supercar levels of acceleration.
In addition to their power advantage, the Hellcat models often have upgraded suspensions, brakes, wheels and tires compared to the SRT models. This improves their handling capabilities to match their straight line performance.
Simply put, the Hellcat has delivered hyper performance capabilities to muscle car and SUV platforms that meet or exceed some of the world’s greatest sports cars.
Design and Styling
In terms of design and styling, both SRT and Hellcat models feature more aggressive aesthetics than their mainstream counterparts. This includes elements like:
- Functional air intakes and vents
- Muscular fender flares
- Lower ride heights
- Larger wheels and tires
- Rear spoilers
- Dual exhaust
However, the Hellcat models tend to push the styling a little further. For example, the Challenger Hellcat has a specific front fascia that is more aggressive. The Hellcat badge itself has also become an iconic part of Dodge’s design language.
Exterior Design Comparison
| SRT | Hellcat |
|---|---|
Inside, the Hellcat models also feature unique styling touches like Hellcat logos on the seats and devil-themed details.
While both deliver aggressive performance styling, the Hellcat stands apart with some unique visual cues.
Driving Experience
Being behind the wheel of a SRT or Hellcat is an intense experience. With their immense power, these vehicles deliver incredible acceleration forces when you mash the gas pedal. Steering and handling are precise in both models, allowing you to carve up corners. The brakes in each are beefy to handle repeated hard stops. An active exhaust provides the soundtrack these muscle cars deserve.
Hellcat Advantages
However, the absurd power of the Hellcat models takes the driving experience to another level. The power delivery is immense and immediate. The Hellcat models are more prone to lighting up their rear tires. Controlling the power takes greater skill, but rewarding when mastered. This makes the Hellcat driving experience more intense and challenging.
negatives of the Hellcat
The Hellcat power can be overwhelming at times. Traction control has to work extra hard to control wheel spin. The throttle can be twitchy on the Hellcat models. Fuel economy suffers due to the power output. Also, an inexperienced driver could more easily get into trouble with the higher limits of the Hellcat.
Practicality
For pure practicality, the SRT models have some advantages. Specifically:
- Lower fuel consumption
- Less aggressive tires wear out slower
- Easier to drive around town
The Hellcat models guzzle gas at a greater rate and go through rear tires quicker with their power. They can be more of a handful in everyday driving. But when you want ultimate performance, the Hellcat models deliver.
Cost
Being the top performance trim levels, both SRT and Hellcat models demand higher prices than base models. Here’s a look at MSRP pricing for some key models:
| Model | SRT Price | Hellcat Price |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger | $50,095 | $60,995 |
| Charger | $51,070 | $63,160 |
| Durango | $67,545 | $85,305 |
The Hellcat variants demand roughly a $10,000 to $15,000 premium over the SRT trims. That’s a lot for an additional 220+ horsepower in some cases. But for some, it’s worth it for the ultimate bragging rights and performance.
Rarity
With their higher pricing and production limits at Dodge, SRT and Hellcat models are both relatively rare. For car enthusiasts who prioritize exclusivity, this is a plus. However, the Hellcat models are produced in fewer numbers each model year.
Dodge has made approximately 45,000 Challenger SRT models since 2008. In comparison, only about 16,000 Challenger Hellcats have been produced since 2015. So seeing a Hellcat on the streets is a more unique sight.
Customization
Being halo performance models, both SRT and Hellcat models offer abundant customization options from Dodge and the aftermarket. Everything from aero kits to supercharger pulleys to exhausts are available. With its bigger power ceiling, Hellcat owners also have more room to grow with modifications.
Dodge also offers more personalized options right from the factory for Hellcat owners. This includes wheel, paint, trim and interior options to customize your Hellcat.
Resale Value
With their exclusivity and collectability, both SRT and Hellcat Dodge models tend to hold their value well on the used market. However, limited production Hellcats often command an even higher resale premium.
For example, a used 2018 Challenger SRT may retail for around $40,000 today, around 20% under original MSRP. Meanwhile a used 2018 Hellcat can easily still sell for $50,000 to $60,000. Hellcats clearly have a resale advantage.
Conclusion
While SRT models are superb performance cars in their own right, the Hellcat variants edge them out in nearly every category. With their incredible power, unique styling, collectability, and extreme capabilities, the Hellcat models represent the pinnacle of Dodge muscle. The Hellcat driving experience is simply on another level.
If your budget allows, and you want the ultimate modern Dodge performance car, the Hellcats are hard to beat. Power, exclusivity and head-turning style – the Hellcat has it all in one outrageous package.