A title applying to several SRT trim levels for the 2022 Dodge Challenger, the Hellcat is well-known as one of the most desired muscle cars. However, you might have also noticed the Chevy Camaro ZL1, with many of the same benefits and access to a convertible body style at a similar price range. If you’re trying to narrow down the right car for you, Huffines CJDR Lewisville has you covered. Let’s compare the 2022 editions of these two muscle cars and see which might be the better choice for you.
Engines and Speed
The ZL1 is the highest trim level of the 2022 Chevy Camaro and uses an enhanced version of the same Camaro engine. By contrast, the 2022 Dodge Challenger sports car offers a range of SRT trims separate from the regular model. These are the standard SRT Hellcat, Redeye, Super Stock, and Jailbreak, available in either regular or Widebody varieties. All of these trim levels have 6.2L Hemi supercharged engines.
The starting Hellcat offers 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque, and the SRT Hellcat Redeye significantly increases the output to 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat Super Stock and Hellcat Redeye Widebody get 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. These models all require 91 octane gas. The Redeye and Super Stock have an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, while other Hellcat models have a Tremec six-speed manual transmission.
On the other hand, the Camaro ZL1’s 6.2L supercharged engine can deliver 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. A crisp six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic are available, and the ZL1 can sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds.
Each trim level of the 2022 SRT Hellcat has incredible track times, one of the most impressive being the Super Stock’s quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. One of the most impressive Hellcat models is the Redeye, which clocked in a top speed of 203 mph. On the other end of the spectrum, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 offers a top speed of 198 mph.
Fuel Economy and Handling
You probably aren’t looking to buy a new SRT Hellcat with fuel savings in mind. However, it’s nice to know that these high-power beasts also have strong fuel ratings. The SRT Hellcat achieves an estimated 13 mpg in the city and 21 or 22 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim level. Keep in mind that these vehicles require 91 octane fuel.
While the Camaro ZL1 still feels like a daily passenger sports car, the Challenger SRT Hellcat models are designed further toward Formula-1-style, straight-line racing. They’re large and low to the ground, with big tires that surge you forward on the track, especially with the Widebody model. The Hellcat Challengers also have stiffer suspensions to handle the forces being thrown at them, while lower Challenger trims are tuned more for comfort and daily driving. Bilstein shocks and vented Brembo brakes are standard on all Hellcat SRT Challengers.
Cargo and Practical Features
Despite the Hellcat being more about speed and driving thrills than family features and practicality, the driver’s and passenger’s seats are spacious and comfortable, suited for a high-end luxury car. The trunk of the Challenger can fit 16.2 cubic feet, a great amount of room in a class that usually stays under 10 cubic feet. The Challenger’s standard rear seats can even be folded to make room for bulky, longer cargo.
Although the ZL1 certainly packs a similarly appealing interior, you’ll only find 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk of the Chevrolet Camaro coupe. Also, the rear seats in the 2022 Camaro ZL1 convertible cannot be folded flat. However, a convenient armrest at the top of the center console doubles as a storage space.
Performance Features
Both cars have exclusive equipment to optimize your racing and break your old records. If you want to enjoy a circular track and general high-speed driving, the 2022 Camaro ZL1 adds the performance traction management system found on some of the other Camaro trim levels. Besides offering 11 engine heat exchangers and high-performance F1 tires, it also carries all the handling and suspension enhancements on the prior trim, the Camaro 2SS.
As far as standout performance features, Hellcat Challengers are mostly known for their superchargers, some of the most incredible engines to roar to life. The Hellcat even lets you switch in and out of driving modes. For instance, the track mode in the Super Stock causes the drive wheels to receive more weight from the rear to maximize acceleration potential.
Although both are fantastic vehicles, there are a lot of benefits to the Challenger SRT Hellcat over the Camaro ZL1 from a performance standpoint. The Widebody models are available for maximum downforce and acceleration, but all of them are beautiful to listen to and drive. Feel free to browse our inventory to see available Dodge Challenger models or contact us so we can alert you when something meeting your criteria is available.
Comfort and Technology Features
The SRT Hellcat comes with heated and ventilated front seats, and the model has distinctive badging and leather accouterments on the inside. The minimalist, high-value interior design makes the car feel even lighter and faster. As for the ZL1, Chevy’s dashboard design effectively blends retro and contemporary elements and features heated and ventilated front seats.
For 2022, the Chevy Camaro ZL1’s infotainment system receives a separate raised section with physical controls in the middle, similar to the standard Camaro. It also adds Recaro sport seats, suede wrapping for the steering wheel, and suede on the ZL1-exclusive six-speed short-throw manual clutch.
Final Verdict
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro is an enjoyable muscle car to maneuver around curves, but we think most folks will agree the various Hellcat models are more exciting visually and on the track. Compared to the 2022 Chevy Camaro ZL1, the Hellcat comes out on top in terms of power, interior features, and exterior style. Browse our inventory to find the latest new models of the Challenger and Challenger SRT, and remember Huffines CJDR for your next new or pre-owned car.