In-Depth Comparison Guide: Chrsyler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger may share the same underpinnings but cater to very different drivers. The 300 delivers refined luxury with bold styling, while the Charger embraces muscle car aggression with high-performance variants. Whether you're looking for a comfortable cruiser or a powerhouse on wheels, this detailed comparison guide breaks down the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger’s key differences in design, performance, features, and overall driving experience. Continue reading until the end to discover how you can elevate these iconic vehicles to even greater heights!

A History Overview and Generations Compared: Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are two of the most iconic American sedans, each with a distinct identity—one rooted in luxury and sophistication, the other in raw muscle and performance. Over the decades, both cars have evolved significantly, adapting to changing trends in design, performance, and technology. While their histories date back to the mid-20th century, this comparison focuses on their modern iterations, starting in the mid-2000s when both were built on the Chrysler LX platform, sharing key components while maintaining distinct personalities.

Chrysler 300 (2005-2010) vs. Dodge Charger (2006-2010)

Both sedans debuted on the LX platform, which is based on the W211-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, bringing European engineering and refinement to American sedans. The Chrysler 300 made a statement with its bold, upscale design, blending American luxury with European influences. Meanwhile, the Dodge Charger embraced its muscle car heritage, featuring aggressive styling and a sportier driving experience.

• 2005-2010 Chrysler 300: Featured a boxy, high-class design with a prominent chrome grille and upscale interior materials. The Chrysler 300 offered a range of engines consisting of a 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, and SRT8 version with a 6.1L HEMI V8 (425 hp). There was also a Mercedes-sourced 3.0-liter turbodiesel option sold exclusively in Europe.

• 2006-2010 Dodge Charger: Introduced as a four-door muscle car with a more aggressive stance and driver-focused interior. The Dodge Charger shared the same engines with the Chrysler 300 but with a sportier tuning. 

Chrysler 300 (2011-2023) vs. Dodge Charger (2011-2023)

In 2011, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger transitioned to the LD platform, an evolution of the previous W211-based LX chassis. This generation saw major improvements in technology, comfort, and performance. While the Chrysler 300 remained a powerful yet sophisticated luxury sedan, the Dodge Charger cemented itself as the true four-door American muscle car. 

• 2011-2023 Chrysler 300: Maintained a bold, luxury sedan identity with premium materials and a refined cabin. The powertrain options for the Chrysler 300 included 3.0 and 3.6L Pentastar V6s, while a 5.7 HEMI V8 was also available. The SRT8 version (discontinued in the U.S. after 2014) had a 6.4L HEMI V8 (470 hp). The turbodiesel option was also offered in European markets.

• 2011-2023 Dodge Charger: It became even more aggressive, with LED racetrack taillights and a muscular stance. It offered the same V6 and HEMI V8 engine options but also included a 6.4L V8 (485 hp) for the Dodge Charger Scat Pack and a 6.2L supercharged (707+ hp) for the Dodge Charger Hellcat.

Engine & Performance: Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

Here’s a comparison of the Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger in terms of performance and engineering:

• Chrysler 300 powertrains: 3.6L V6 engine (292-300 hp) standard in most trims, 5.7L HEMI V8 engine (363 hp) available in higher trims, 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for better traction.

• Dodge Charger powertrains: 3.6L V6 engine (292-300 hp) standard in base models, 5.7L HEMI V8 engine (370 hp) available in mid-level trims, 6.4L HEMI V8 engine (485 hp) available in performance-oriented trims, supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine (707+ hp) standard in the Hellcat trim, 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD) in some trims.

Exterior Design: Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

Here’s a comparison of the Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger in terms of design and styling:

• The Chrysler 300 stands out for its luxury and refinement, offering a design with bold and elegant lines, chrome accents, and a sophisticated silhouette. 

• The Dodge Charger emphasizes performance and muscle car heritage, featuring a wide stance, sculpted body, and wild aerodynamic features in its performance-oriented trims. 

Interior Design: Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

The Chrysler 300 offers a more refined and luxury-oriented interior design with soft-touch materials, wood and leather accents, and an elegant dashboard layout, while the Dodge Charger has a sportier, driver-focused cockpit with aggressive styling and performance-oriented details. 

The Chrysler 300 features plush, premium leather seats and upscale touches like an analog clock. On the other hand, the Dodge Charger prioritizes bolstered seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and red-accented sporty gauges.

Technology and Interior Comfort: Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

Here’s a comparison of the Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger in terms of technology and interior comfort:

• The Chrysler 300’s luxurious interior features a Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated seats. Four audio enthusiasts can choose an optional Harman Kardon sound system. 

• The Dodge Charger’s driver-focused interior layout features a 7-inch or 8.4-inch  Uconnect touchscreen, sporty seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and standard tech features like a remote start and a rearview camera.

Market Positioning and Cultural Impact: Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

Here’s a comparison of the Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger in terms of marketing positioning and cultural impact:

• The Chrysler 300 is marketed as a luxury sedan that blends elegance, comfort, and performance. It is often associated with success and prestige, frequently appearing in movies and pop culture as a status symbol for those at the top.

• The Dodge Charger is a muscle sedan with aggressive styling and a wide range of high-performance engines. It is deeply connected to American muscle car heritage, representing raw power, rebellion, and freedom.

Trim Levels: Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger

Both sister cars are discontinued and both production and sales ceased in 2023. You can get a brand-new Dodge Charger, but it is now an electric-powered 2-door muscle car. For the sedans, let’s look at the trims levels for the last model year they were sold (MY 2023). While the Chrysler offered three variants, the Charger was very rich in what it offered, but many of the upper trim levels were performance-oriented, highlighting its muscle car heritage.

MY2023 Chrysler 300 Trims

• Chrysler 300 Touring: Serves as the base model. Comes with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 delivering 292 HP and 8-speed transmission. It is rear-wheel drive, and AWD is optional.

• Chrysler 300 Touring L: Shares the same 292 HP Pentastar V6 with the Touring trim. Upgrades are 20” wheels for the RWD, 19” wheels for the AWD, and Nappa leather interior.

• Chrysler 300 S: It comes standard with a more powerful 3.6L V6 that makes 300 HP, and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 363 HP is optional. S trim level comes with performance-tuned suspension, 20” wheels, a blacked-out radiator grille, sports seats, and a 9-speaker Alpine stereo.

MY 2023 Dodge Charger Trims and Prices

• Dodge Charger SXT: The most basic Charger offered the same Pentastar V6 as the base 300, the 3.6-liter with 292 HP. Both RWD and AWD are available, and the interior featured cloth seats, Uconnect touch screen, and basic essentials.

• Dodge Charger GT: The GT trim level offers the 300 HP Pentastar V6 used in the 300 S. The GT offers sporty details like sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, and a hood scoop among many other details.

• Dodge Charger R/T: R/T is where the Charger enters the V8 territory with a 370 HP 5.7-liter HEMI. Coming in exclusively in RWD, the R/T features include an active exhaust system, 20-inch wheels, and sport steering wheel with paddle shifters.

• Dodge Charger Scat Pack: The V8 powertrain gets serious with the Scat Pack. 6.4-liter HEMI produces 485 HP, and the Scat Pack offers Brembo brakes, high-performance suspension, Line Lock and Launch Control. For the Scat Pack, a widebody package is available that adds fender flares, redesigned front and rear bumpers, an adaptive suspension, and different 20-inch wheels.

• Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak: The Hellcat is where things get truly serious. The HEMI V8 under the hood is supercharged and makes 717 HP, and the car is designed with wild performance in mind. It features the widebody kit, performance brakes and suspension, 20” wheels, and Laguna leather interior upholstery.

• Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak: The Redeye adds a whopping, nearly 100 extra HP. The engine is the high-output version of the blown HEMI V8. The rest is not too different from the Hellcat; the car is decorated with SRT Performance parts from bumper to bumper.

Entry-Level Trims: Chrysler 300 Touring vs. Dodge Charger SXT

Both the Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT serve as entry points into the American full-size sedan segment:

Chrysler 300 Touring

• Chrysler 300 Touring Engine & Performance: Refined full-size sedan with a 3.6L V6 (292 hp) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• Chrysler 300 Touring Fuel Economy: Approximately 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway for RWD models (slightly lower for AWD)

Dodge Charger SXT

• Dodge Charger SXT Engine & Performance: Uses the same 3.6L V6 (292 hp in RWD / 300 hp in AWD) with a sportier character and optional AWD for enhanced versatility. 
• Dodge Charger SXT Fuel Economy: Around 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway on RWD; AWD versions may see numbers closer to 18/28 mpg.

Mid-Tier Trims: Chrysler 300 S vs. Dodge Charger GT

Stepping up the ladder, the mid-tier trims—Chrysler 300 S and Dodge Charger GT—introduce sportier aesthetics and enhanced driving dynamics. Here are the Chrysler 300S vs. Dodge Charger GT:

Chrysler 300 S

• Chrysler 300S Engine & Performance: This sportier 300 variant features a 300 HP 3.6L V6 engine and a sportier-tuned suspension.
• Chrysler 300S Fuel Economy: Roughly 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (with minor variations based on configuration).

Dodge Charger GT

• Dodge Charger GT Engine & Performance: It is also powered by a 300 HP 3.6L V6 and features performance-focused suspension tweaks and paddle shifters for a spirited driving experience.
• Dodge Charger GT Fuel Economy: Similar to the Chrysler 300 S at around 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway.

V8 Battles: Chrysler 300 S HEMI vs. Dodge Charger R/T

When it comes to raw power, the optional HEMI-equipped Chrysler 300 S and standard HEMI-equipped Dodge Charger R/T step into the spotlight. And this is where the similarities end between the latest iterations of both cars. The Chrysler tops out at the 5.7-liter HEMI, but the Charger goes all the way to supercharged versions with more displacement and monstrous power outputs. There is, though, one last 300 that can compete with some of the more muscular Chargers. It is the limited-run 2023 300C. Other than the C which was limited to 2,200 units, there are no 300 to race against the all-muscle Chargers as far as the latest model years go.

Let’s look at the Chrysler 300C vs. Dodge Charger R/T:

Chrysler 300 S w/ HEMI

• Chrysler 300 S HEMI Engine & Performance: Equipped with a robust 5.7L HEMI V8 engine delivering roughly 363 HP for a refined yet powerful ride.
• Chrysler 300 S HEMI Fuel Economy: Approximately 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway

Dodge Charger R/T

• Dodge Charger R/T Engine & Performance: Powered by a 370 HP 5.7L HEMI V8, the R/T balances an entry-level muscle performance with daily drivability. 
• Dodge Charger R/T Fuel Economy: Roughly 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

And lastly, let's have a look at 2023 Chrysler 300C vs Charger Scat Pack.

Chrysler 300C 6.4L HEMI

• Chrysler 300C Engine & Performance: Under the hood is the legendary HEMI V8, this time with a displacement of 6.4 liters and 485 HP.
• Chrysler 300C Fuel Economy: Approximately 15 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

Dodge Charger Scat Pack

• Dodge Charger Scat Pack Engine & Performance:  Powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 that makes 485 HP.
• Dodge Charger Scat Pack Fuel Economy: Same as the 300C 6.4; 15 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

Is the Chrysler 300 a muscle car​?

Not exactly. The Chrysler 300 is a luxury sports sedan, not a complete muscle car. While some trims, like the Chrysler 300C and older SRT variants, have muscle car characteristics, they lack the raw, high-performance focus of the special versions of the Charger like the Hellcat.

Is the Chrysler 300 same as Dodge Charger?

Not exactly, but they share a lot. The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are built on the same platform in both generations, share similar engines like the Pentastar V6s and HEMI V8s, and have comparable sizes. While the Chrysler 300 is slightly taller, giving it a more upright, luxury-oriented stance, the Dodge Charger sits lower, enhancing its muscle car appeal. Both have the same wheelbase and similar interior space, but the Chrysler 300 offers slightly more headroom in the rear. 

Is a Dodge Charger better than a Chrysler 300?​

That depends on what you’re looking for:

• Performance: The Dodge Charger offers higher-performance trims, including the Hellcat with a supercharged V8, making it a better choice for muscle car enthusiasts.
• Luxury & Comfort: The Chrysler 300 is more refined, with a focus on premium materials, a quieter cabin, and a more upscale feel.
• Styling: The Dodge Charger has a sportier, aggressive look, while the Chrysler 300 has a bold but more elegant design.

Which is better: Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger?

If you ask, “What should I get, Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger?” or wonder about the winner of Chrysler 300 vs. Dodge Charger comparison, you need to consider the specs and features of these two cars to determine your favorite. Whether you choose the Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger, you can improve them with the best throttle response controller: Pedal Commander!

How to Upgrade Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger with Pedal Commander?

Both the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger have powerful engine options, but due to factory settings, they suffer from throttle lag. As the most practical and versatile throttle controller on the market, Pedal Commander unlocks your vehicle's full potential. How? Let’s look at what Pedal Commander does: 

• Instant Throttle Response: Pedal Commander offers lightning-quick acceleration by eliminating throttle lag from your accelerator pedal.
• Effortless Installation: Pedal Commander boasts an effortless plug-and-play setup in minutes without needing technical expertise for immediate benefits.
• Customizable Settings: Pedal Commander allows you to fine-tune your vehicle's response to match your preferred driving style with its four adjustable modes: ECO, CITY, SPORT, and SPORT+.
• Better Off-Road and On-Road Control: Pedal Commander enhances off-road driving with its Sport and Sport+ modes, which give a more aggressive throttle response, while its City mode offers smooth acceleration on paved roads.
• Fuel Efficiency: Pedal Commander Eco mode reduces throttle sensitivity for better fuel economy during long road trips or stop-and-go traffic, perfect for daily road use.
• Versatile Compatibility: Pedal Commander is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide array of vehicle makes and models, electric or internal combustion, for an exceptional driving upgrade.
• Anti-Theft Feature: When activated, Pedal Commander’s anti-theft feature disables your car's gas pedal, ensuring no one can steal your car. Enjoy this feature for the first 14 days FOR FREE, then easily subscribe through the Pedal Commander mobile app and choose from two subscription plans: $0.99 per month or $9.99 per year---cheaper than a gas station snack!

Select your ride below and order the best performance upgrade today!

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