[Bowlerguy92]

Hi all,

Im currently in the process of selling my 2018 Mustang GT as this weird market has presented an opportunity to sell it for more than I paid for it. It’s ideal timing too to be able to do a “reset” as my daughter is due to be born literally any day now! The mustang I would have put up with but wouldn’t have been ideal being only 2 doors.

I’m looking at Dodge of course because why compromise on power when I can have it all, and with four doors. The wife also agrees this makes the most sense. I had a 2016 Charger RT that we both loved so I’m quite familiar with the brand.

The question now becomes WHICH hellcat? I have priced out identical HC WB and HC WB RE builds and the delta is $7,300 between them. I’m in a position to purchase either one but just don’t know if the difference is warranted given either one already will struggle for traction and this will primarily be a street car.

My use case: Family car (kid in car seat) for longer road trips. Does not need to be daily driven as I have no commute but it would be my personal primary vehicle. If weather is inclement etc, the hellcat can sit as we have an AWD SUV.

I’m fortunate enough to live close to a 1/4 mile track and I do intend on flexing either car there and enjoying some racing. Maybe half a dozen times a year, probably not going to be a serious racer though.

I do live in the Northeast so again, inclement weather means the car can sit and I have another car to drive. We deal with snow here and in an emergency I don’t think a hellcat would be impossible to drive.

That’s pretty much the story. I like to stretch a dollar and if I should just save $7300 for tires and gas, that’s fine. There is a piece of me, however, that knows this will probably be the last car of this breed that I’ll ever be able to order new and why not get the best one?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Slowpoke387]

Do yourself a favor and get the RE. Will you really ever need or use the extra hp? Maybe - maybe not. But what you definitely WILL do is wonder what the RE wouldve been like and you will eventually find yourself with that little RE itch that you need to scratch. By then you wont be able to order a new one and you’ll be kicking yourself because now you’re looking at used ones.
And yes it’s worth the extra cash. Bigger blower, more hp, stronger internals, axles, driveshaft, and of course the most important - the red jewel eye on the badge lol.

 

[RB185AFM]

Yes, get the Redeye. The demon drive train is well with it.

 

[Champion01]

Redeye!

 

[Bowlerguy92]

Thanks to those who have responded so far. Just a general question on the hellcat: does it make a good family sedan and daily? I have never actually driven one, just my RT. Will my daughter end up flying out of her car seat at every green light? I’m assuming it’s simply up to your right foot.

 

[mchart]

It makes a great family sedan, as it's just a charger at the end of the day.

That being said, it's not great on gas. If you're fine with that, it does well.

Although if looking for a daily, I think you'd be a fool to not cross-shop the CT5-V Blackwing with a Redeye Charger, IMO.

 

[Slowpoke387]

These cars are the best tbh. They are as docile as you want them to drive. That’s the best part. Your grandmother could drive them around just fine lol. You have to make a concerted effort to nail it in order to wake the beast. Just the best.

 

[Unavowed]

Redeye. If a Redeye Durango had been available, I'd of bought that.

 

[mybadcat]

Hi all,

Im currently in the process of selling my 2018 Mustang GT as this weird market has presented an opportunity to sell it for more than I paid for it. It’s ideal timing too to be able to do a “reset” as my daughter is due to be born literally any day now! The mustang I would have put up with but wouldn’t have been ideal being only 2 doors.

I’m looking at Dodge of course because why compromise on power when I can have it all, and with four doors. The wife also agrees this makes the most sense. I had a 2016 Charger RT that we both loved so I’m quite familiar with the brand.

The question now becomes WHICH hellcat? I have priced out identical HC WB and HC WB RE builds and the delta is $7,300 between them. I’m in a position to purchase either one but just don’t know if the difference is warranted given either one already will struggle for traction and this will primarily be a street car.

My use case: Family car (kid in car seat) for longer road trips. Does not need to be daily driven as I have no commute but it would be my personal primary vehicle. If weather is inclement etc, the hellcat can sit as we have an AWD SUV.

I’m fortunate enough to live close to a 1/4 mile track and I do intend on flexing either car there and enjoying some racing. Maybe half a dozen times a year, probably not going to be a serious racer though.

I do live in the Northeast so again, inclement weather means the car can sit and I have another car to drive. We deal with snow here and in an emergency I don’t think a hellcat would be impossible to drive.

That’s pretty much the story. I like to stretch a dollar and if I should just save $7300 for tires and gas, that’s fine. There is a piece of me, however, that knows this will probably be the last car of this breed that I’ll ever be able to order new and why not get the best one?

Thanks for any help!

I'm totally happy with my '21 WB HC! It's not a redeye, but honestly, the $20k+ (cdn) is a lot of money for an extra 80hp. If you can afford it, go for it. There is very little difference you'll notice when driving it daily. Sitting in traffic will you're going to notice NO difference. Most people assume mine is a redeye anyway, they're virtually identical. By the looks of it, the production numbers for redeye are going to be through the roof compared to regular hellcats. Down the road, REs will probably be worth more, but they also cost more. It's all relative. As for daily driving it. Besides the gas, you're not going to find a better DD. This is my third charger (first Cat). An 07 RT, and a 12SRT, both awesome DD! Either way, you're going to have an awesome car!

 

[Mattm400]

Redeye for sure, you'll have it & you'll be happy with it and still get 21-22 mpg on those road trips!

 

[Confuzed2]

I’m in a position to purchase either one but just don’t know if the difference is warranted given either one already will struggle for traction and this will primarily be a street car.

Since I believe all the newer Chargers are WB's, and both will have the wider wheels / tires to help with traction, I'm sure both will struggle a bit with traction. The RE a tiny bit more though. I regret not getting at least summer tires for mine.

I’m fortunate enough to live close to a 1/4 mile track and I do intend on flexing either car there and enjoying some racing. Maybe half a dozen times a year, probably not going to be a serious racer though.

I live maybe 10 miles max from the track in my area. The last car I took there was my '11 SRT8 392. It did OK with summer tires...13.1 at 112 mph. 60' was bad though....like 2.3... Like you, I rarely go unless its a test n tune day or something like that.

Just remember, you're getting more than just a bit more hp with the HC RE.....basically a Demon engine with stronger internals than a regular HC, slightly bigger blower and driveline components. Well worth having if you plan to go down the strip with it. If you can swing the extra for the RE, I'd get it - but you'll love either one though !!

 

[HellcatHellYeah]

Problem is the 22’ RE has almost no trim options ( a MASSIVE fail on the part of Dodge) so you are limited, the back seat leans back too far and anyone over 5’10” ends up banging their head on the rear window. The tires will need to be replaced with better all season or winter tires (not one person has said the Pirellis are good tires) for street use. The HC is better value IMO if you aren’t tracking for competition. The RE gain of 90 HP only slightly outperforms the standard HC. The Jailbreak is the way to go for that kind of money even though it is just a glorified RE and adds even more cost but, you get more options. It doesn’t sound like you plan on modding and want a complete car at purchase and not a project car, unless you have to have the “biggest and best” and cost is a factor, the HC will blow your socks off. Personally I’d get a JB as for that money I do want the biggest, baddest, meanest car they make.

 

[Unavowed]

the $20k+ (cdn) is a lot of money for an extra 80hp.

This isn't the reason to buy a Redeye. It's all the different hardware (engine internals, drivetrain, fuel system, etc.) that allow it to better support the next 300 horsepower you throw at it.

 

[mybadcat]

This isn't the reason to buy a Redeye. It's all the different hardware (engine internals, drivetrain, fuel system, etc.) that allow it to better support the next 300 horsepower you throw at it.

Absolutely right. Most people won't modify to the extent of making sure you need an even beefier bottom end. If you're planning to modify, that's one thing, if you're looking for a daily driver that checks off all the boxes, the RE really isn't needed. I've gone down the modifying route. That's why I'm happy with my WB HC. Just a catch can and CAI (for sound). I'm as happy as a pig in sh*t!

 

[ColoradoCat]

I've owned a 2020 Charger HC and a 2021 Charger Redeye, both will put a smile on your face. Yes, the redeye does feel a little more "violent" when you punch the gas, and it does feel slightly faster. You will be happy with a regular HC and happy knowing you stayed within your budget. The redeye is worth it in my opinion as long as it is comfortably in your budget, if you are stretching your funds - go with the HC and you will have a smile on your face every time you drive it.

 

[usmc341]

I had a 19 Redeye now a 21 Hellcat. My cars are daily drivers, no track time. Honestly, I can't tell the seat of pants difference in power. Drivability feels about the same on both. The only difference I can see is the RE does get more squirrely at highway speed when you punch it. If the extra goodies like the power chiller and 3.09 gear option are important to you, then get the RE . For a DD I wouldn't put out the extra $$ for a RE unless you're going to track the car. JMHO.

 

[Bowlerguy92]

You guys are great, thanks so much for the food for thought either way. Dammit Dodge for having such a strong lineup! I will add that I am looking for the most complete out of the box experience as someone mentioned and I have zero desire to change or mod anything. I plan to enjoy the warranty and the stock experience either way.

It seems the Redeye makes less sense in this case? My first thought would be the extra robustness of the drive train would lend to better long term reliability but maybe that’s not the case.

 

[rocko107]

It makes a great family sedan, as it's just a charger at the end of the day.

That being said, it's not great on gas. If you're fine with that, it does well.

Although if looking for a daily, I think you'd be a fool to not cross-shop the CT5-V Blackwing with a Redeye Charger, IMO.

I would have suggested the same thing if you could actually buy one at retail price. I've actually considered it myself, but I can't find one listed under 130K

 

[areuriding]

Redeye and don't look back, your in the Northeast so KOONS is where to buy.

 

[Gotgap]

Any of the cats are awesome…though your fuel budget just went out the window, plan on making your gas station your new best friend..unless of course you never ever plan on opening the throttle ha ha