Some vehicles age quietly, but muscle cars don’t.
For 2026, the Chevrolet Corvette has narrowed its focus, fixing one glaring flaw (the previously tacky interior) and flaunting a futuristic design. The Dodge Charger, on the other hand, is loud and proud, daring you to ignore it at your peril.
chevrolet corvette
$73,000 – $92,000
MPG: 16 city / 25 highway
0-60mph: 2.8 seconds
Cargo space: 13 cubic meters. feet
Strong Points: Amazing acceleration. Feels like a race car. A stylish cabin.
Cons: There is no manual transmission. There are no back seats. Sturdy storage.
Finally, the Chevrolet Corvette is as comfortable inside as it looks passing you by on the highway. That’s thanks to a completely redesigned and classy cabin. Gone is the old, lopsided wall of buttons in favor of a sleeker three-screen cockpit. There’s a large digital gauge cluster, a wide infotainment screen angled toward the driver, and a nice new auxiliary display. Everything is modern and a bit flashy, but in a good way.
The fit and finish is higher quality than before, and the controls are more intuitive. Chevrolet’s performance app is now standard on all trims and provides real-time data for drivers who want to enjoy metrics as well as momentum. And new interior color schemes, including sleek asymmetrical options, let you express yourself without screaming for attention. It shows confidence rather than unpleasant rants.
As for handling, the steering is quick and sure, body control is excellent, and acceleration is surprisingly quick. The midship engine layout also achieves exquisite balance.
Three trim options include the V8-powered Stingray, the E-Ray (also V8-powered, but paired with electric all-wheel drive), and Z06 and ZR1 variants for racing enthusiasts.
(Note to self: For a truly amazing experience, there’s the new 1,250-horsepower ZR1X all-electric supercar that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than two seconds. boot At $208,000. )
Yes, all of these Corvettes have a solid ride. And visibility is significantly impaired. But this supercar is a complete dom, not a timid subcar. Think Alexander Skarsgård in Pillion and you’ll understand.
dodge charger
$52,000 – $65,000
MPG: 16 city/26 highway
0-60mph: 3.9 seconds
Cargo capacity: 22.75 cubic meters. feet
Strong Points: Choice of gasoline or EV power. modern technology. Spacious cabin.
Cons: No V8 engine (yet). Soft steering. Cornering not very supple.
Everything old is new for the Dodge Charger. The company initially phased out gasoline-powered models as it transitioned to electric vehicles, but following changes to Yo-Yo regulations this year, it quickly returned to gasoline-powered models, and the White House Yo-Yo was also phased out.
The powerful twin-turbo engine in R/T and Scat Pack trims produces up to 550 horsepower. These models come standard with all-wheel drive, but you can switch to rear-wheel drive for classic muscle car antics if the mood strikes you.
At the same time, Dodge still offers the electric Charger Daytona, which delivers up to 670 horsepower and blistering straight-line acceleration.
The Charger’s aggressive design, huge digital display, and practical hatchback layout continue, enhancing its ability to function as both a performance diva and an everyday companion. There’s more storage space than I expected, so I was thankful that I could fit a bunch of groceries in the trunk when I went to Costco.
New wheel designs, paint choices, and trim variations help visually differentiate gas and electric chargers. But no matter which model, each feels decisive and cautious on the road. Commuting through stop-and-go traffic during rush hour is no problem, but it’s a street machine that excels at cruising at high speeds on the freeway.
The turbo six-cylinder engine isn’t as dramatic as the old V8, but it still delivers plenty of punch and torque. The electric version of the Daytona is a different kind of thrill, with a moment of quiet propulsion that feels like you’re about to be launched to the moon.
The steering is stable, but not exactly snappy. The Charger’s weight also makes it less supple and lively than other muscle cars, especially when navigating tight corners.
But that’s fine with me. Like Bea Arthur, who played Dorothy on “The Golden Girls,” this rustic muscle car prides itself on being big, bold, and respectable.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
