2010 Dodge Charger vs 2010 Chevrolet Impala

2010 Dodge Charger

The 2010 Dodge Charger combines modern coupe styling with four-door functionality and comes in SE, SXT and R/T trims. There's also a high-performance SRT8 model. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but SXT and R/T models are available with all-wheel drive. The Dodge Charger delivers pony car excitement and style and recalls a bygone era, all while providing the roomy accommodations of a full-size car and the modern technology that buyers expect.  The range of engines and suspension setups allows buyers to choose between fast and comfortable models. Although the Charger was once in exclusive territory with its offering of a V8, challengers are catching up with competitive models. 

Charger Power

For 2010, the engine lineup includes two V-6s and a V-8 Hemi. The next-generation 5.7-liter Hemi engine now has variable valve timing and an expanded multi-displacement system that allows the car to operate on four cylinders when less power is needed. The SRT8 gets its own Hemi V-8, Brembo brakes and a race-bred suspension. An available option includes the R/T package.  Road/Track option package includes a revised steering gear, load-leveling shock absorbers and a retuned suspension. The engines powering the Charger include a standard 178-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 with 190 pounds-feet of torque (SE), a  250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 pounds-feet of torque (SXT) ,  a 370-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with, 398 pounds-feet of torque (R/T) , and a 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 with 420 pounds-feet of torque (SRT8).  The SE and SXT RW Chargers come with four-speed automatic transmission, the SXT AWD, R/T, and SRT8 drive with a five-speed automatic transmission.

2010 Dodge Charger Features

The Charger's holds five passengers in its front bucket seats and rear bench. Adding to its versatility, a 60/40-split folding rear seat is standard. The interior features a two-tone design that's similar to the one found in the Chrysler 300. It includes silver trim pieces on the cupholders, doors and center stack - formerly found only on higher-end models - as standard. There are also optional standard front cupholders with LEDs, plus map-pocket lighting. The cabin of the Charger is actually quite roomy, and would work fine for family travel. The main downsides are that the interior is largely plastic and the sightlines are partially obstructed in several directions. The Charger has a decent amount of cargo space in the trunk, and there are available entertainment features on the Charger to make it into a better f amily vehicle.

Design of the 2010 Charger

The Charger has a stylish design that some sedan are lacking in.  It gets a bold crossbar front end and a short deck. There are minimal wheel flares, and a long bodyside crease meets another crease at the rear doors. The antenna has been moved to the rear window and taillamps include recessed circle cutouts. The exterior of the 2010 Charger measures 200.1 inches long and 74.5 inches wide.  The Dodge Charger is a boldly designed full-size four-door sedan which can be factory equipped from mild to wild to suit virtually any buyers needs or desires.

2010 Chevy Impala

The 2010 Impala remains to be Chevrolet's flagship full-size sedan and is available in three trim levels are available: LS, LT and LTZ. The LT model gets new standard and optional features for 2010, and the high-performance SS trim was dropped from the lineup. The Chevrolet Impala shines with its roomy cabin space and civilized handling. While classified as a mid-size sedan, it's large for that class and would more be considered a full size sedan.  Impala's styling looks contemporary, handsome, and clean. This interior of the 2010 Impala offers plenty of room in both the front and rear seats, and it is an easy vehicle to get in and out of. The Impala also has a big trunk with a big lid that makes loading cargo easy.  Optional flip-and-fold rear seats are exclusive in its class, and provide not only holding wells for items but a flat cargo floor that expands the trunk for long items.

Impala Power

The 2010 Impala drives with the choice of a 3.5-liter V-6 and a 3.9-liter V-6. Both can be had in flex-fuel versions that can run on ethanol-based E85. The 3.5-liter V-6 gets 207-hp, with 215 pounds-feet of torque, and the 3.9-liter V-6 gets 230-hp, with 238 pounds-feet of torque. The Impala's four-wheel disc brake system (vented in front, solid in rear) has been designed for quieter operation, longer pad life, and more resistance to brake pulsation.

Features for 2010

The unique flip-and-fold rear-seat cushions in the Impala reveal a covered storage area and include grocery bag hooks. The flip-fold seat is available on LS and LT models and standard on LTZ models. The rear seatback folds down to create a pass-through into the trunk. GM's OnStar communication system is standard, and an available Directions and Connections service gives audio turn-by-turn directions from an OnStar operator. Side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners for the front seats are standard. Latch child-seat anchors are found in all second-row seating positions. The back seat is roomy and comfortable for two adults or three kids.  The forward-flipping rear seat cushions reveal a storage tub underneath that add to the Impala's utility.  The tub also serves as a covered storage area beneath the seat with cushions down, and exposes convenient grocery bag hooks when the cushions are flipped forward. A generous pass-through from the trunk can be created by flipping the seat bottoms forward and the seat backs flat.

2010 Chevy Impala Design

The 2010 Impala has clean lines and a typical sedan-like shape.  It is built on a 110.5-inch wheelbase, and is 200.4 inches long overall, 72.9 inches wide and 58.7 inches tall. The Impala is longer than many of its competitors, but narrower than some. The LS, LT and LTZ are distinguished by exterior trim but share one front end design,

Conclusions


The Dodge Charger and the Chevy Impala are capable, well powered, and well behaved sedans.  The both have the versatility of a family vehicle, while also having plenty of style and zip as a daily commuter. The Charger's big advantage over the Impala is its availability of a V8 Hemi powertrain. The 2010 Charger offers a lot of room and great straight line power.  The Impala is an all American sedan, serving as Chevy's trademark in this class.  The Impala gets an EPA Fuel Economy of 17 - 18 for the city and 27 - 29 mpg for the highway. It has a starting MSRP of $23,890 - $29,630.  The 2010 Dodge Charger gets a mileage of 13 - 18   mpg for city and 19 - 26 mpg on the highway. Cost wise it starts and ranges slightly higher than the Impala, with a starting MSRP of $24,835 - $38,970.  The Impala's best aspects are its interior space, its adept transmission, and good gas mileage.  While the Charger offers brash looks,V-8 performance (SRT8), transmission refinement  in the SRT8, comfortable sport seats, and a legacy of the muscle cars of the past. Go to the official Dodge Charger site for the latest updates.