2009/2011 R/t Differences

6060 Views 34 Replies 20 Participants Last post by moparman53, Jun 26, 2011

thisisnotahonda

Discussion Starter · Jun 3, 2011

Hello all,

Ever since I laid eyes on the challenger I told myself, "I must have that". It is in fact, not just my "attainable" dream car, but if I could have any car in the world, it would be this one.

For a long time I've wanted a 69 charger/challenger, now something with the same look has appeared, but hey, it's new!

I've looked at the different trim models, no way do I want this car in a V6 platform, but the SRT8 is a bit out of my price range, and a lot more car than I really need.

The R/T however fits what I want perfectly, looks good, sounds good, comes with plenty of power, and easily upgradable if desiring more.

So, the question is, which year should I get? From what I've gathered, the 2011 model r/t has a bit more hp/torque and better gas milage than previous years. What other differences are there?

I pretty much have my heart set on a black or maybe silver r/t, with a manual transmission.

However out of the dozens of websites I've visited, they all seem to portray different numbers. The earlier years are of course a bit cheaper, but I'll pay a few extra thousand for a newer model, and it's a no brainer if it does indeed have more power and better fuel economy than the previous models.

Just trying to get all my information right before I get back to the US in October, and I will probably be purchasing the car in the Nov-Dec range with the year end sales that will be occuring at that time.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

1 - 20 of 35 Posts

OmahaRumble

· #2 · Jun 3, 2011

I think the deciding factor would be the best deal you can find, for what options you want. '09 and '10 are pretty much the same save for the newer colors in '10. The '11 has a slightly different suspension setup, a three spoke wheel (yuck, not muscle at all, give me the 4), and I believe the '11 air intake does not have the silencer. It would be a drivers race if someone in a stock 2010 R/T vs a stock 2011 R/T.

I went with a 2010 and could not be happier. I was able to get the Classic package, which I recommend. I opted for the Super Track Pack which makes the car handle much better, and closer to a stock SRT8. Tires are different too, as they are Goodyear Eagle F1 summer only tires, which are stickier than the RSAs that come with your standard R/T.

Good choice on the 6 speed! A solid tranny that is the same they use in the Dodge Viper. :thumbsup:

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itzrick

· #3 · Jun 3, 2011

I don't think the 11 RT has more HP or torque than the 10s. If it has better mileage it isn't much. The other trims do. The only advantages I've heard about 09 and 10 RTs is you can do the key trick to turn off the traction control, The advanced EVIC was unaccessable at the beginning but I think people have figured out how to get to it now and the new controller isn't supported by tuners yet( I'm sure it will be soon). The 11 does have some nice electronic gadgits that were options or not available on the earlier years. The one my wife thought was neetest was that you don't have to get your FOB out to unlock the doors.

thisisnotahonda

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 3, 2011

hmmm...I could have sworn that the 2011 5.7l got VVT and the previous models did not....where the hell is that website...

Ah nevermind, all of the 2009-Present 5.7L engines are the same, they all have VCT (variable valve timing) VTEC yo!

So, is the super track package only available on certain years?

itzrick

· #5 · Jun 3, 2011

I know you can get it on alot (not all) 10s. It was a real bargin but if your getting a used one you might be carefull. I think the F1s wear out quicker than the RSAs. On the other side the traction control can be disabled with STP without the key trick so it works on 11s too.

troyus

· #6 · Jun 3, 2011 (Edited)

A big deciding factor is if you want a manual or auto,. For 2011, the manual is standard, for 09 and 10 it was a 1,000 dollar option. For me it did not make sense to buy a used manual due to this fact, the price difference between new and used was negligible. When you add in the improved suspension, interior, and slight power increase (due to airbox and exhaust redesign) buying an 11 was/will be obvious.

Also of note, the electronic convenience package for 11 has keyless entry and go which is actually pretty slick.

The big decision is if you want a new '11 RT or for the same price... a used 6.1 SRT8... that's a tougher call!

edit: I see you care about gas mileage - by all means avoid the 6.1!!!

Pat

· #7 · Jun 3, 2011

Don't forget the 11's don't have a ram's head on the steering wheel, wheels, and nose of the car. I don't think I could have one without the clean look.

thisisnotahonda

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 3, 2011

Yeah it seems more and more likely to get the 11 now with all the input.

I hope I can snag an 11 with the STP package, that would be perfect.

As far as auto/manual go I gotta have a manual. Even with the autos transmissions being vastly improved in modern days, I just don't feel in control without a manual transmission.

It's not so much gas milage that turns me off from the SRT8, but many factors. If I were to get one that was in the same price range as a newer R/t, you are still looking at a car with some miles on it.

The 5.7L is a tried and true engine, don't have to worry much about that. Plus I would like to get a car with less than 5k on the odometer. I don't have the cash for an SRT8 with that low of miles. I'm just 21 here, which is a bit lower age category than I would imagine than the people that generally purchase cars of this caliber.

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MrJ_RT

· #9 · Jun 3, 2011

Don't forget the new style steering wheel for the 11's.

The 11's have climate control. I don't think 10's had that, and I know 09's didn't have that.

Sent from my iPhone

thisisnotahonda

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 3, 2011

Are the 11's the one that are a PITA to turn off the traction control completely?

You also mentioned the 11 R/T gets a suspension upgrade, do you mean the STP comes standard or is it a completely different thing?

itzrick

· #11 · Jun 3, 2011

If you have STP you can just hold in the button like before but if not I don't think anyone has figured out how to completely turn it off. I'm pretty sure the suspension changes are nit the same as adding STP.

cortc

· #12 · Jun 3, 2011

All of the 11s get new suspension tuning that includes improved geometry (More camber F&R and front caster...), better bushings and revised / sportier springs and shocks... The STP gets Bilstein shocks... The SE and R/T get new revised electro hydrolic steering with better feel and quicker response... The steering wheel is only three spokes like the originals, it is thicker and 1 inch smaller; its much nicer... The interior gets new revised gauges, better materials oncluding Napa leather and courtesy lights in the headliner... The rams head is gone everywhere big plus its the one thing I did not like with my 2009 SRT8 6sp... You also get keyless enter and go...

cortc

· #13 · Jun 3, 2011

thisisnotahonda said:
Are the 11's the one that are a PITA to turn off the traction control completely?

You also mentioned the 11 R/T gets a suspension upgrade, do you mean the STP comes standard or is it a completely different thing?

The STP is an upgrade above and beyond the standard suspension and it itself is improved over the previous years STP option... The front sway bar is the same as the SRT8 the rear is even thicke than the SRT8... The SRT8 does ride lower though, about an inch; even with the higher ride height I prefer the handling on the R/T with STP over the SRT8...

XIC

· #14 · Jun 3, 2011

The 2011's have different door handles and the front air dam is slightly different (almost looks upside-down from previous years). Get the sun roof if you can. It helps lighten up the interior on those cloudy days. As far as the traction control - I have no problem turning it off. I have a 2011 R/T Classic 6 speed with NO STP and all I have to do is hold the button for 10 secs and the ESP OFF message shows in the EVIC (make huge difference).

Silver'11

· #15 · Jun 3, 2011

XIC said:
The 2011's have different door handles and the front air dam is slightly different (almost looks upside-down from previous years). Get the sun roof if you can. It helps lighten up the interior on those cloudy days. As far as the traction control - I have no problem turning it off. I have a 2011 R/T Classic 6 speed with NO STP and all I have to do is hold the button for 10 secs and the ESP OFF message shows in the EVIC (make huge difference).

I went out and tried just pushing for 10-15 seconds and the esp light went out and i could not get it to come back on. i'll have to test the car and see if it did anything. evic did not show anything, it sounds like you have stp and don't know it.

morgenstern

· #16 · Jun 3, 2011

I opted for the 2011 R/T 6spd specifically for getting those few addtional minor features that I really liked that were not on the 2010s and earlier (three-spoke wheel, improved suspension, etc.).

After my first two tanks of gas, I averaged 17.7 mpg, and I have a fair amount of stop'n'go driving in my commute.

Yesterday I drove very conservatively and without A/C (which is sometimes rough in Texas heat) and I managed over 20mpg. Granted, it was a relatively short (~15mi) drive, but it was nevertheless encouraging! =)

Overall, I'm absolutely loving this car!

Hal H

· #17 · Jun 3, 2011

There may be a few HP and slight MPG bump due to the electric power steering on the R/T 5.7 engine. (less parasitic drag).

Some prelim 2011 HP values had the 5.7 + 6-speed stated @ 379HP, but the "official" info in printed literature and the website states 375HP. The peak RPM for HP and torque RPM increased on the '11 engines.

This is pretty much what the '09-'10 5.7/6-speed specs were (those ranged 375-376 during the run of those model years).

XIC

· #18 · Jun 3, 2011

Silver'11 said:
I went out and tried just pushing for 10-15 seconds and the esp light went out and i could not get it to come back on. i'll have to test the car and see if it did anything. evic did not show anything, it sounds like you have stp and don't know it.

Silver'11 - That would be great, but I don't think so. It is not on the Window Sticker, I have the Firestone tires (not Goodyear), and my shocks are black. The programming does seem to have the STP programming though. Maybe they made a mistake at the factory! Good for me!

dun4791

· #19 · Jun 3, 2011

My STP 2011 has black shocks, they also have stickers on them with my VIN.

troyus

· #20 · Jun 3, 2011

If I were to do it all over again, I would say get the STP OR non STP, and change the shocks and springs to SRT8 spec. The 2011 SRT8 suspension seems like the perfect compromise for real world and performance driving. It also sits lower, so it looks nicer. I would not upgrade the sway bars, they are good enough and when I took mine in to Stack for the work my alignment got whacked out badly. Poor use of my cash.

I DO NOT regret the sound package with the 7 speaker setup, or the electronic convenience. Those are things that I didn't really want but now that I have them I am glad I do.

As for the ESP system you don't need the STP pack to disable, here's how it works (for my car at least)

At idle, hold in the button for ~10-15 seconds, a chime will occur, traction light goes on and EVI says "ESP DISABLED".

If you are moving above 10-20 mph you can't do this you can only turn of the traction control partially (light goes on but no EVIC warning). If you hold down the ESP button for a few seconds, same result.

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