2012 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Dodge Charger: Which One Should I Buy?

Technically these two vehicles have wildly different classifications: compact for the Ford Mustang and large car for the Dodge Charger. However, who would consider either one anything other than a muscle car? These cars are meant for speed, fun, and grown-up excitement.

The Ford Mustang is the iconic American sports car, with tire-smoking pony-car thrills, but it has also become quite sophisticated as it's grown up over the years. The Dodge Charger may lean slightly more towards the family car spectrum, but the V8 under the hood makes it an exhilarating ride.

Dodge Charger 2012
2012 Dodge Charger

Performance

When you’re talking muscle cars, you have to think about differences in performance first. The Mustang delivers raw 5.0-liter power with a much improved V8 version for this model year. The Dodge Charger’s V8 is thrilling but very, very thirsty – and the V8 models don’t tend to ride as well as some of the other versions due to firmer suspension. The 3.7-liter V6 engine on the base Mustang model is slightly larger than the 3.6-liter V6 on the Charger. As such performance will be further offset by the Charger’s heavier body and the fact that the Mustang delivers a higher net torque of 280 @ 4250 RPM, versus Charger’s 260 @ 4800. Quarter-mile time for the Mustang is a whole 1.2 seconds faster and it delivers 104 mph in that ¼ mile; while the Charger will be left in the dust at only 94 mph. The Mustang gets from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds versus a still-respectable 6.4 for the Charger.

Interior Options

Both the Mustang and the Charger have all of the accoutrements that you would expect from a mid-range machine: power seats and mirrors, plus a host of infotainment features. A voice recorder and adjustable pedals are both available on Charger and not on the Mustang. The seating in the Mustang can be a little challenging, especially in the back seat which was clearly only made for two people. The Charger’s back seat is a fair bit larger and the car will seat up to five passengers with a 60/40 back seat split. Heated front seats keep the driver toasty warm, but only in the Charger.

If you’re looking for a modern muscle car you’re going to want the Mustang for its sporty nature, but if you want to have something that has oomph but can still pick up the kids from school with ease, then the Charger is a solid option.


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Jermaine

25 years of experience
382 reviews
Jermaine
25 years of experience
Dodge Durango V6-3.6L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Silver Spring, Maryland
Awesome mechanic! Very reliable !! Awesome personality! Explained everything and now I feel less stressed.
Hyundai Ioniq - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Chevy Chase, Maryland
Jermaine was very friendly, efficient and professional. He kindly explained to me those things that did not score well in the service report, so that it didn't come as a surprise, and I would know what to do about it.

Caz

18 years of experience
146 reviews
Caz
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 L4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Woodstock, Georgia
Caz was extremely knowledgeable, personable and provided excellent service. He was on time for the appointment and answered and explained everything I asked concerning my vehicle. I will definitely use the company again and I would love to have Caz as my mechanic! Excellent!
Mercedes-Benz S550 - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Mableton, Georgia
Caz Arrived on time much earlier than scheduled. He was very professional in inspecting the car and made excellent recommendations.

Brian

19 years of experience
138 reviews
Brian
19 years of experience
Lexus RX350 V6-3.5L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Brian was very informational and knowledgeable about the Inspection. He throughly inform me what issues on vehicle. Great Mechanic !!!
Ford Transit-350 HD - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Great service. Honest , respectful and truly cares about making sure you get the best options possible at an affordable price. Finding a mechanic you can trust is rare. I highly recommend Brain.

Jay

24 years of experience
262 reviews
Jay
24 years of experience
Honda CR-V L4-2.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Glendale Heights, Illinois
Jay did a great job! Excellent at taking time to explain things about your car. And provided sound recommendation on repair. Courteous and responsive. I would definitely recommend Jay!
BMW 535i xDrive - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Des Plaines, Illinois
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