Dodge Charger Daytona EV vs Tesla Model 3: The Muscle Car Goes Head-To-Head With The EV King

The Dodge Charger lives on to keep the Ford Mustang company in the muscle car category but in the most unusual way. While Ford continues to offer a high-performance V8 engine for the top-end variants of the Mustang, Dodge gives the Charger an electric powertrain alongside a V6 petrol-powered variant.

The electric version is called the Charger Daytona EV and accompanies an impressive specifications sheet that shames the monstrous Hellcat Redeye variants of the previous generation Dodge Charger. Dodge insists that its newest EV doesn’t care about going green but only brutally faster. Shots fired at Tesla?

The latest Charger Daytona EV comes in as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, which is currently the benchmark in the compact EV sedan segment. Updated in late 2023 with a new fascia and revised performance figures, the Model 3 has given us high expectations from a reasonably priced electric sedan. Loaded to the teeth with advanced technologies like an Autopilot driving system and a large touchscreen display that hosts all the vehicle controls, the Model 3 has been unmatched by any of its rivals.

So, is the Tesla Model 3 still a better-performance vehicle than the new Dodge Charger Daytona EV? A Dodge Charger Daytona EV vs Tesla Model 3 comparison is the only way to find out.

Settling the Dodge Charger Daytona EV vs Tesla Model 3 debate by comparing their specs and price tags

Design

The Charger Daytona EV retains the essence of a classic muscle car with a bold and aggressive design. The wide, sculpted hood and prominent grille are reminiscent of the gas-guzzling muscle cars of yesteryears. Despite the flat front end, the designers cleverly integrated a functional air duct into the grille to cool the battery pack. The fastback roofline and muscular wheel arches add to the sporty character of this car.

In stark contrast, the Tesla Model 3 stands for a minimalist and functional design. The clean lines, flush door handles and panoramic glass roof create an aerodynamic profile that reduces the drag coefficient drastically. Next to the Dodge, the Tesla looks more exotic and high-tech in comparison.

However, Model 3 has been around for a while and even after the recent facelift, it has started to look too familiar. The Dodge Daytona EV looks fresh and hence, wins the first round.

Winner: Dodge Charger Daytona EV

Interiors

Similar to its exteriors, the Charger Daytona EV’s interior is a blend of functionality and muscle car flair. The cabin seems spacious with ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The driver gets a performance-oriented steering wheel and a customisable digital instrument cluster.

The centre console houses a large touchscreen infotainment system alongside physical controls for essential functions. Dodge incorporates unique elements like a “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” system that imitates the roar of its V8 engines and a haptic feedback system to mimic the rumble and vibrations of an ICE car.

The Tesla Model 3 prioritises a minimalist and tech-centric interior. The large 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen display is vertically oriented and hosts most vehicle functions including climate control, gear selector, aircon vents, audio, maps, driveability settings and more.

The Model 3’s cabin utilises premium materials and along with the large panoramic glass roof, it creates a luxurious and modern ambience.

For this round, we are giving it to the Tesla Model 3.

Winner: Tesla Model 3

Performance

Although it has gone electric, the Charger Daytona EV is still a muscle car and that means performance is a priority. The base R/T trim offers an impressive 496 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque, while the top-of-the-line Scat Pack pushes it to 670 hp and 627 pound-feet of torque. Dodge says that the Scat Pack is capable of achieving 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, which is quicker than the fire-breathing Hellcat Redeye variants of its predecessor.

There is also a Power Shot feature, offering a temporary boost of 40 hp to emulate a nitrous oxide boost as seen in Fast and Furious and Need For Speed: Most Wanted. Although Dodge didn’t comment much on the handling characteristics, we don’t expect a major variation from its muscle car lineage, which mostly loves to go fast in a straight line, not curves.

The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, prioritises efficiency over raw power and that pays dividends on the tarmac. The Model 3 Performance trim can achieve 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, which is much faster than the sporty Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack. The Long Range variant can do a 0-60 mph acceleration run in 4.2 seconds, which is still faster than the R/T variant’s 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The Model 3 is meant to be a family sedan and hence, its handling is tailored to provide a stable and comfortable driving experience. Another win for the Tesla then.

Winner: Tesla Model 3

Range and Charging

Since Dodge presents the Charger Daytona EV as an electric sports car, it is proud to admit that its latest muscle car isn’t interested in going green or being the most fuel-efficient. The Charger Daytona EV R/T trim promises a range of up to 317 miles (510 km) on a single charge while the Scat Pack delivers only 260 miles (418 km). While these figures may be enough for the city and drag strips, the Model 3 certainly leaves the Dodge in the dust with its superior efficiency. With a 183kW charging solution, the Daytona EV can refill its battery pack from 20-80 per cent in 27 minutes.

The Model 3 Long Range trim offers an impressive 358 miles (576 km) whereas the Performance trim offers a slightly lower range of 272 miles (437 km). Paired with Tesla’s well-established Supercharger network across most countries, the Tesla Model 3 simply remains unbeatable in this category.

Hence, it’s once again a win for the Tesla.

Winner: Tesla Model 3

Price

The Tesla Model 3 RWD variant starts at USD 35,990 (HKD 281,496 approx.) whereas the AWD Long Range variant will set you back by HKD 328,300. The Model 3 Performance variant is due for an upgrade and has been pulled off the shelves.

As for the Charge Daytona EV, Dodge has yet to disclose the prices for all the variants. Industry insiders, however, hint at a price that’s higher than the Tesla Model 3.

Hence, until Dodge reveals the prices, we cannot declare a winner for this round.

Dodge Charger Daytona EV vs Tesla Model 3: Our verdict

Winner: Tesla Model 3

The Dodge Charger Daytona EV and Tesla Model 3 cater to distinct driving preferences. The Charger Daytona EV is a compelling choice for those who prioritise raw power, muscle car aesthetics and a unique driving experience. Its spacious and feature-rich interiors along with a decent range make it practical for short hops around the city as well as short distances on the highways.

On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 is ideal for those seeking a family sedan that offers truckloads of technology, great range, easy access to fast charging and a modern minimalist interior. Despite being a family-oriented vehicle, the Model 3 with its excellent efficiency outperforms Dodge’s EV concerning speed and range. The only drawback here is a rather generic-looking exterior, which isn’t a big deal for most buyers.

Hence, for this comparison, the Tesla Model 3 triumphs over the Dodge Charger Daytona EV.

(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Dodge and Tesla)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the price of a Dodge Charger Daytona EV?
Dodge is yet to disclose the price of the Charger Daytona EV sports car.

– What is the top speed of a Dodge Charger Daytona EV?
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV in its top-end Scat Pack variant is claimed to reach a top speed of 216 kph.

– What is the range of a Dodge Charger Daytona EV?
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV R/T trim promises a range of up to 317 miles (510 km) on a single charge while the Scat Pack delivers only 260 miles (418 km).