What’s The Difference Between a Dodge Hellcat and a Scat Pack?

Answer: About 200 horsepower & $25,000 separate these two muscle car trims, but that's just the beginning.

Updated: May 16, 2024  // 

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If you’re a fan of raw power, throaty exhaust notes, and iconic American muscle cars, then the Dodge Charger and Challenger are probably already on your radar. With widebody kits, SRT editions, and various trim levels, you might find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out the differences. Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter – the engines that power these modern-day brutes.

Related: Dodge Demon vs Hellcat: Which Muscle Car is Best?

Meet the Hellcat and Scat Pacts

Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter – the engines that power these modern-day brutes. The top-tier trim levels boast some serious firepower. First up, we have the Hellcat. Just hearing the name sends shivers down your spine, right? That’s because it’s the brainchild of the glorious mad scientists at Dodge’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team. Back in 2015, when the Charger and Challenger needed a revamp, Dodge SRT swooped in and concocted the first factory supercharger for a HEMI engine.

Originally, the Hellcat engine pumped out a jaw-dropping 707 horsepower, leaving everyone dumbfounded. It was a revelation in the muscle car world. And as they say, there’s no such thing as too much power, so Dodge kept pushing the boundaries. The Hellcat family has since grown to include the 808 horsepower Demon, the 797 horsepower Hellcat Redeye, and the 807 horsepower Super Stock. These machines defy all expectations, and their thunderous roars are music to a muscle car enthusiast’s ears.

On the other side of the ring, we have the Scat Pack, another impressive trim level, and a 6.4-liter HEMI V8. This powerful motor, shared with the likes of heavy-duty Ram trucks and the Jeep Wrangler 392, delivers a healthy 485 horsepower to both the Challenger and Charger Scat Packs. It’s a true workhorse with a wild streak, just like its Hellcat sibling.

Related: 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

How Much Does A Hellcat Cost? Scat Pack?

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Hellcat comes with an MSRP of $72,130, while the Charger version demands $79,445. Now, to be fair, that’s a lot of money, but let’s put things into perspective. These cars are not your average family sedans. They are beasts with supercar-rattling performance. With over 700 horsepower under the hood, you’re getting a bargain when it comes to pure adrenaline.

For those with a need for speed but a slightly tighter budget, the Scat Pack might be more up your alley. The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack starts at $46,940, and the Charger version is a bit higher at $49,140. Still, over $25k difference compared to the Hellcat is crazy, and for that price, you’re still getting a ton of muscle car awesomeness.

Related: How To Buy a Dodge Demon 170: What You Need To Know

Can The Scat Packs and Hellcat Be Upgraded?

For Hellcat enthusiasts looking to squeeze even more performance, Dodge offers many upgrades. You can opt for the SRT-tuned Bilstein suspension, which comes as standard on the Hellcat. This setup provides precise handling and stability, ensuring you stay glued to the road even when pushing the boundaries of speed.

Moreover, you have the option to equip your Hellcat with a factory widebody kit and wide tires. The extra rubber enhances acceleration, braking, and overall performance. Picture yourself cruising in a widebody Hellcat, and you’ll understand why it’s a dream come true for muscle car aficionados.

Similarly, if you’re rocking a Scat Pack, there are plenty of ways to boost its performance. Dodge allows you to outfit your Scat Pack with the same SRT-tuned Bilstein suspension, ensuring that your handling matches the might of your engine.

And here’s where things get interesting – you can also choose to go for a factory widebody kit and wide tires on your Scat Pack. The result? An ultimate naturally-aspirated American muscle car that’s eager to tear up the track.

About The Writer

Devin Joy

Devin's love of cars came from his father and mother over 35 years ago. They always told stories of their old cars and the adventures they had in them were so amazing he dove headfirst into the car world, and never looked back.

Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.