Demon Vs. Hellcat: Dodge Challenger Showdown In 2018

Hey guys! Ever wondered what happens when Dodge unleashes two fire-breathing monsters upon the automotive world? Specifically, what happens when we compare the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon vs. Hellcat? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into a comparison that'll have your heart racing faster than these beasts can hit 60 mph. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill muscle cars; they're legends. Both the Demon and the Hellcat represent the pinnacle of Dodge's performance engineering in 2018, but they cater to slightly different, yet equally thrilling, driving experiences. We're going to break down everything from horsepower and torque to the unique features that set these two apart. Let's get started, shall we?

Under the Hood: Power and Performance

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the heart of the beast, the engine! The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon takes the crown with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Demon V8 engine. This thing churns out a mind-blowing 808 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. But wait, there's more! With the Demon's specific powertrain control module and the use of 100-octane fuel, it could crank out a ridiculous 840 horsepower. Yes, you read that right – 840! This made it the most powerful factory-produced gasoline-powered car at the time. The Demon was engineered for one thing: straight-line acceleration. It could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest accelerating production cars ever. Can you even imagine that kind of G-force? Seriously, it's insane!

Now, let's turn our attention to the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. It also packs a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, but it's tuned a bit differently. The Hellcat delivers a still-staggering 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. While not quite as extreme as the Demon, the Hellcat is no slouch. It's capable of hitting 0 to 60 mph in around 3.6 seconds. The Hellcat is more of an all-around performer, offering a blend of power, handling, and daily drivability that the Demon, with its track-focused nature, couldn't quite match. So, while the Demon might win in a straight line, the Hellcat provides a more versatile driving experience. Plus, the Hellcat has been around for longer, so it's a bit more refined in some ways.

Key Differences in Engine Specs

Design and Appearance: Muscle Car Aesthetics

Both the Demon and Hellcat share the classic Dodge Challenger silhouette, which is all about making a bold statement. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, however, gets some special treatment to visually separate it from the Hellcat and other Challenger trims. It had a wider stance thanks to the flared fenders, which were necessary to accommodate the massive drag radial tires. The Demon also features a unique hood with the Air-Grabber induction system, designed to ram air into the engine. This is a real eye-catcher. To save weight, Dodge removed the passenger seat and rear seats (though they were available as options for a dollar!).

Now, let's glance at the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. While it shares the same overall body style as the Demon, it features a more standard, though still aggressive, look. It sports a functional hood scoop and other sporty accents, like the front splitter and rear spoiler. The Hellcat is immediately recognizable as a high-performance Challenger, and it exudes muscle car vibes from every angle. It comes standard with more interior features because it's designed to be more of a daily driver compared to the Demon. The Hellcat has a wider array of colors and trim options as well, allowing for a bit more customization.

Exterior and Interior Highlights

• Demon: Widened fenders, Air-Grabber hood, drag radial tires, stripped-down interior (passenger and rear seats removed), Demon badging, and a specific performance gauge setup in the infotainment system.
• Hellcat: Functional hood scoop, aggressive front splitter, rear spoiler, Hellcat badging, available in a wider range of colors and interior options, and features a more luxurious interior with premium materials.

Driving Experience: Track vs. Street

This is where things get really interesting, folks! The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was born for the drag strip. Every aspect of its design, from the engine to the suspension to the tires, was optimized for straight-line acceleration. The Demon features a transbrake, which locks the front wheels while allowing the rear wheels to spin up for a perfect launch. It also has a unique