Both the Challenger and the 4 Series Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.
Safety
Warranty
Dodge's powertrain warranty covers the Challenger 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 4 Series Coupe. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 4 Series Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.
There are almost 7 times as many Dodge dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Challenger's warranty.
Reliability
J.D. Power and Associates' 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 40 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 18th, below the industry average.
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports' December 2019 Auto Issue reports that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Dodge 9 places higher in reliability than BMW.
Engine
The Challenger has more powerful engines than the 4 Series Coupe:
|
Horsepower |
Torque |
Challenger 3.6 DOHC V6 |
303 HP |
268 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger R/T automatic 5.7 V8 |
372 HP |
400 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger R/T manual 5.7 V8 |
375 HP |
410 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger R/T Scat Pack 6.4 V8 |
485 HP |
475 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger SRT Widebody Hellcat 6.2 supercharged V8 |
717 HP |
656 lbs.-ft. |
SRT Hellcat Redeye 6.2 supercharged V8 |
797 HP |
707 lbs.-ft. |
Challenger SRT Super Stock 6.2 supercharged V8 |
807 HP |
707 lbs.-ft. |
430i Coupe 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder |
255 HP |
294 lbs.-ft. |
M440i xDrive Coupe 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid |
382 HP |
369 lbs.-ft. |
Fuel Economy and Range
An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine's cylinders helps improve the Challenger 5.7/6.4 V8 Auto's fuel efficiency. The 4 Series Coupe doesn't offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.
The Challenger has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Coupe (18.5 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
Transmission
The Challenger offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 4 Series Coupe doesn't offer a manual transmission.
Tires and Wheels
For better traction, the Challenger has larger standard tires than the 4 Series Coupe (235/55R18 vs. 225/45R18). The Challenger SRT Super Stock's tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Coupe (315/40R18 vs. 225/40R19).
The Challenger Widebody's tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4 Series Coupe's optional 40 series front tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Challenger offers optional 20-inch wheels. The 4 Series Coupe's largest wheels are only 19-inches.
Suspension and Handling
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger's wheelbase is 3.8 inches longer than on the 4 Series Coupe (116 inches vs. 112.2 inches).
For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Challenger is 2 inches wider in the front and .5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the 4 Series Coupe.
Passenger Space
The Challenger has standard seating for 5 passengers; the 4 Series Coupe can only carry 4.
The Challenger has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, 3.4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear headroom and 2.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the 4 Series Coupe.
Cargo Capacity
The Challenger has a much larger trunk than the 4 Series Coupe (16.2 vs. 12 cubic feet).
Recommendations
Consumer Reports® recommends the Dodge Challenger, based on reliability, safety and performance.
The Dodge Challenger outsold the BMW 4 Series by almost 8 to one during the 2020 model year.