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Comparing the Hellcat vs. Scat Pack is like comparing an earthquake vs. a tornado: extreme forces define both sides. Sadly, the curtains are closing on the supercharged and high-displacement HEMI V-8 show, so if you want to get one of these muscle cars for yourself, read our Hellcat vs. Scat Pack guide below to find your ideal ride, then head over to Redlands CDJR as fast as a Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye accelerates.
Hellcat vs. Scat Pack: The Last Hurrah of the HEMI V-8
The Hellcat is the ultimate example of what a muscle car can and should be. It manifests in the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango. The Ram 1500 TRX also uses the Hellcat V-8 engine.
Comparing Hellcat vs. Scat Pack model availability, we see that while the Scat Pack name only exists on the Challenger and Charger, the Durango SRT 392 has the same engine.
On either side, Hellcat vs. Scat Pack engines are about as good as things get for muscle car enthusiasts. The Hellcat includes a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8, while the Scat Pack has a 6.4-liter naturally aspirated HEMI V-8.
Each provides its own unique benefits that can not be conveyed by comparing numbers like the Hellcat vs. Scat Pack horsepower outputs. For example, the natural aspiration of a Scat Pack V-8 allows for an instant throttle response and a more old-school driving feel.
That's also because the Scat Pack name has been around for much, much longer. It's said to be a reference to Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack," mixed with the saying "it goes like scat," and as these references suggest, the Scat Pack came about during the 1960s: American muscle's golden age.
The Hellcat, though, created the modern American muscle renaissance, lifting the fog of muscle mediocrity with its 2015 introduction. Just look at the lineup of muscle cars that came out after 2015 if you need proof.
Unfortunately for muscle car maniacs, though, the all-gasoline, no-green Hellcat vs. Scat Pack specs can't coexist with the auto industry's changing climate.
Just like what happened a few years after the Scat Pack's late-1960s introduction, new regulations and gas price problems have created a hostile environment for the true V-8 engine. Instead of making a hybrid out of these engines, the Dodge brand killed them off at their performance peak.
The Challenger and Charger have gone out in a blaze of glory, and the Durango Hellcat and Scat Pack are in their swan song year. It's like the 1971 HEMI 'Cuda and Six-Pack Challenger all over again.
Electrified Dodge muscle is coming soon to take these models' place, potentially with even faster performance – but if you're reading this Hellcat vs. Scat Pack guide, there's maybe a 2% chance that you actually care about electric cars.
The clock is ticking. Claim either of these modern kings of V-8 muscle for your driving pleasure or long-term car collection today.
Hellcat vs. Scat Pack 0-60, Power, Quarter Mile Times, and Sound
Starting with sound, both of these vehicles are hilariously loud. The Hellcat does tend to attract more votes when comparing Hellcat vs. Scat Pack noises, as the supercharger's whine shouting over the V-8 rumble is a spine-tingling, giggle-inducing thing to behold. The Scat Pack 6.4-liter V-8, though, has that classic touch to it, with induction whooshes mixing into the unimpeded sound of a high-displacement bomb.
You don't need us to tell you that the Hellcat is faster than the Scat Pack. That's a given. With horsepower in the 700s, the Hellcat engine is brutal across all Dodge inventory.
All Scat Pack engines provide over 470 horsepower. However, the Scat Pack is less likely to spin its tires from a stop, making it fairly close for acceleration but at the cost of less grin-inducing fun.
Only the Challenger offers a clutch pedal – Challenger Scat Pack models with a manual are fairly easy to find. Challenger Hellcat models with a manual are rare.
You already know which side wins, but check out the details of the Hellcat vs. Scat Pack performance battle below:
| 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack | 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack | 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat | 2024 Dodge Durango SRT 392 | 2024 Dodge Durango Hellcat | 2024 Ram 1500 TRX | |
| Starting Price MSRP | $49,2651 | $71,2951 | $51,9251 | $85,7651 | $74,9951 | $95,9951 | $96,5851 |
| Engine | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 |
| Horsepower | 485 | 717 | 485 | 717 | 475 | 710 | 702 |
| Torque | 475 lb-ft | 656 lb-ft | 475 lb-ft | 650 lb-ft | 470 lb-ft | 645 lb-ft | 650 lb-ft |
| Transmission | - Standard 6-speed manual - Available 8-speed automatic | - Standard 8-speed automatic - Available 6-speed manual (special order only) | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Layout | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | 4WD |
| 0-60 mph | 4 s2 | 3.9 s2 | 4.2 s3 | 3.9 s3 | 4.4 s | 3.5 s | 4.5 s |
Hellcat vs. Scat Pack Price, Styling, and Features
Regardless of whether it is a Dodge Charger for sale or a Durango, Hellcat models always cost more money than Scat Pack versions.
Hellcat models provide more power and more luxurious interior equipment, like high-end leather upholstery for the seats. But it really doesn't matter if you get a Dodge Challenger for sale in the Hellcat or Scat Pack guise. Hellcat vs. Scat Pack interior amenities include great comfort and convenience, and most importantly, premium co*ckpit designs to complement the performance.
Hellcat vs. Scat Pack exterior upgrades are fairly even, though the Hellcat models do get some extras like larger wheels and more aggressive hoods, along with unique details like a headlight that's actually an air intake on the Challenger.
Whichever side of the Hellcat vs. Scat Pack comparison is your winner, the Redlands CDJR team can help you join in on the fun. Visit us today to take home the finale of the HEMI V-8 from our new or used Dodge muscle inventory.
Frequently Asked Question
Between the Hellcat and Scat Pack, which has more horsepower?
Hellcat models always have more power than Scat Pack models. In the Charger and Challenger, the Hellcat name stands for a 717-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 (or an upgrade to 797 horsepower with the Hellcat Redeye package), while the Scat Pack badge means that a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with 485 horsepower comes standard.
Between the Hellcat and Scat Pack, which is faster?
All Hellcat models are faster than Scat Pack models. This should be obvious by the gulf between their horsepower outputs. As for specific 0-60 mph times, the 2023 Charger Scat Pack does this benchmark run in 4.2 seconds,3 while the Hellcat version does the same run in 3.9 seconds.3 Hellcat vs. Scat Pack quarter mile times widen this gulf.
Between the Hellcat and Scat Pack, which is more expensive?
When you compare Hellcat vs. Scat Pack versions of the same model, you'll see that the Hellcat costs more. This should come as no surprise, as it uses a uniquely engineered supercharged HEMI V-8 engine instead of the longer-lived naturally-aspirated Scat Pack HEMI V-8 engine. The Hellcat models also include more interior luxuries and exterior styling enhancements than the Scat Pack models.
1MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
2This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/dodge/challenger/.
3This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/dodge/charger/2023/.
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