[StealthChallenger]

Just wondering how bad of a hit you took and if it was worth it. My 2010 R/T Classic has 1,000 miles on it now, and I finally got on it just a little, never revved beyond 4,000 rpm, and I did not floor it yet. It was quick, but I am pretty sure my 1992 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo could hang with it as well as a 05-09 Mustang GT. A 5.0 and SS would destroy it since I've driven both but would never buy them for obvious reasons. With that said, I am just wondering how much "faster" the 392 feels compared to the 5.7 to the 6.1. When I drove the 6.1, I thought it should've been faster with how hyped it was. That's why I didn't spend the extra 7 grand to get one. I was only really impressed once the auto transmission dropped down and brought the revs in the 5-6k rpm neighborhood in that car. Obviously, the brakes and seats were awesome. Luckily, I got a great deal on my leftover R/T unlike many who bought them last year and jumped because of the color - Hemi Orange. I figure conservatively speaking, it will cost me between 13-15 large to upgrade for what I'd get for my car. That is doing it in the near future. If I wait for them to discount the 2011 inventory like the 2010s, I may be in even better shape. That is if they don't come out with more colors for 2012. I'd probably go Redline or Black leftover or even an I/E. I owe 20K on my car and paid $33,400 out the door. Gotta love Illinois taxes! I am not into modding, so I would not sink the extra money into an R/T to try to make it perform like a 392. In the end, I'd still have an R/T with a bunch of money in it I'd never see again. I am figuring the 392 may the last of the Challengers since these cars do not seem to be selling much anymore. I'd like to get one while I still can before other life forces prevent me from doing so.

 

[dun4791]

I have noticed by the overall tone of your postings you weren't satisfied with what you bought as soon as you bought it. Why not just enjoy it? It's a cool car. It's going to get better mileage, use 87 octane over 93, and still look cool. These cars aren't fast anyway. There are alot of these types of threads here and I don't understand why noones happy with what they own.

 

[jedblanks]

6-speed R/T requires/strongly recommends premium fuel per my owners manual.

I drove a 392 SRT8 Saturday. While the SOTP meter was definitely higher, it wasn't overwhelmingly faster. The passenger couldn't tell the difference between it and my R/T

I'd personally slap on a supercharger before I'd go with an SRT8 392. The biggest difference was the suspension, which you can pick up lightly used for $500?

 

[indybill]

09 RT 6Spd

I went from an 09 RT Classic 6 spd with CAI, Kooks Longtube headers and MBRP Catback. This is a completely different car. It handles better and the power is terrific.

I had 7500 miles on mine and got 26K trade. I was able to get the IE392 on employee discount so the hit wasnt too bad.

I would make the change without looking back if I were you.

BTW What are you waiting for, drop the hammer on that thing. I only waited until 500 miles or so on both cars.

 

[DBDLIVES]

R/T to a 392 is a big differance. I had my R/T Classic for a few months and traded it in for the 392. I paid 32k OTD for my 2010 R/T Classic and I got 32k for a trade in. Insurance only went up 3 bucks a month from the R/T to the 392 also. As far as the performance differance look at my sig and you will see.

 

[Thingfish]

I felt there was a significant difference to the 6.1 to go for the 392. From an R/T I'd think it would be pretty big. Will it be enough for you? Hard to say. A others have pointed out there are plenty of "faster" cars. Even a properly modded civic will give you a run. As for me, I love the 392. It flat out moves and the torque comes on a lot earlier than the 6.1 or R/T and that's a lot of the fun for me. I doubt there will be a price drop like 2010's also. That was a fairly freakish drop if you ask me and had a lot to do with the new engine which you won't have next year, or possibly the year after either.
All that said, the R/T is an awesome car so it's just a matter what's going to make you happy.

 

[Goehner]

The 392 motor itself was plenty for me to go from a 6.1. Add in all the upgrades to the suspension and interior, and it was a no brainer for me.

 

[Speedlogix]

I have an '09 R/T and am trading it in on my GWE 392 as soon as it's built. For me, it's just about having the latest and greatest as we do a lot of product testing for the items we carry, so it makes sense to have a 392 now. The R/T is a GREAT car, though. Best bang for the buck as mine was under $29k new in 9/08.

 

[Toxic11]

The RT is and always will be a great car.. The 5.7 is a fantastic engine.. But it's not a 392... There's a reason they make the SRT and it's more of a culmination of all of the parts.. All I can say is, I had a 345 horse 5.7 300C and there's NO comparison at all... An RT is a little different, the RT has a handling advantage over my departed C, but aside from that... Same chasis.. The 2011 SRT's are, dare I say "tossable" ? Hard to say that about a 4200lb car but I've had enough Vettes that I think I can make a fair statement that the 11 SRT8 handles phenomenally well... I've thrown it back and fourth down the back roads and I've never felt like I was going to understeer the turn, I've yet to feel vagueness from the steering, I feel very connected. And the power? It's just a deep chasm of torque that never seems to end. I know it's "only" a mid 12 second car.... (look at the forum members numbers not a MT Rag...) but she's a beast!

 

[Thingfish]

Rereading your original post I would just add that I didn't fully appreciate the 392 until after the first 1000 miles, and past 4000 rpm. It is strong right from the bottom, but you say you haven't really gotten on it past 4000rpm. Before you go crazy after the 392 (yes, an awesome car) I say stretch you R/T out and see what that baby can do. You might just be surprised and satisfied. The 392 is a beast, but past 4000rpms it still becomes a whole different animal! Give the R/T a chance to shine. Really drive it.

 

[dbhoosier]

I loved my R/T. I love the 392 more. A lot more. You can't go wrong with either, but if you can afford the 392, I would go for it.

 

[Toxic11]

Just got back from a romp in the 392.... Still grinning.. Wow first, second and third gear are SO MUCH FUN!

 

[robo5555]

Difference? Humungous! My 09 R/T was waken up with a custom tune, catback and a few other minor mods. No way near my stock 392. This beast rocks! Can't even imagine after a few mods.

 

[Jaco]

I went from the2010 Purple Plum Craz classic 6spd to the new SRT. Had 7000 mi owned it 1 year. Was going to change my mind last minute in dealers office and keep the R/T but went for the new car.

Night and day on power and handling with the 2011 SRT but the R/T classic is a head turner!! The women loved the Purple. I had all ages coming up to it and wanting to take pictures and sit inside. I'm 52 maybe purple better for a younger person? LOL

I had to get use to the SRT seats, they're harder. The R/T classic seats were softer. Steering and brakes are so much better in the new SRT and mine is loaded with I think most of the options you can get.
Yea you have to run premium gas in the SRT but I did that in my R/T most of the time it just ran a lot better on the good stuff.
Also the dealer let me drive my old R/T while my windows were being tinted (Dealer threw that in) and after driving the SRT for 2 days the R/T felt like a light toy not as sturdy and heavy as the SRT beast. Maybe the tighter/stiffer suspension caused it to feel that way.

I paid in the low 40's (after trade and discount) for the Black Pearl SRT
I'm glad I did it!!

Good luck
J

 

[70 HEMI CHARGER]

Ive driven a few R/T's and 2 6.1 SRT's and the 392 is a beast. If you can afford it I'd say go for it!

 

[velvet_elvis]

I too loved my '09 R/T. It had the MBRP, and sounded great! Along with the intake and the predator tune, it really had some go to go along with the show.

But the difference in feel between it and the 392 was night and day for me. After driving it, I knew I would get one.

The R/T had a little over 34k in mileage and they gave me a pretty good trade (a little over 26k) for it. Payments are a little higher for me (insurance too) but overall it is still very affordable for me, and worth the extra bit for a whole lot more car.

 

[johnhammer]

You have to remember, the SRT is WAY more than just an engine package. Suspension, brakes, ESP tuning...all the goodies that go with a properly developed performance package, engineered by a group of true car enthusiasts.

The R/T is a great car, no doubt, but the performance difference is substantial to the SRT. Is it worth the extra money? That's a decision only you can make for yourself.

Heck, want to find out first hand? Come do an SRT Track Experience event & see for yourself!

 

[velvet_elvis]

Heck, want to find out first hand? Come do an SRT Track Experience event & see for yourself!

I missed the complimentary chance when I bought my SRT-4 back in the day, but I'm gonna make sure that I don't miss it this time around. I'm definitely going to be taking advantage of the offer extended to new SRT owners this time around!

 

[StealthChallenger]

It is not that I am not grateful or in love with my R/T Classic, quite the opposite in fact. It is AWESOME looking with the stripes and wheels. I still need to change them from white to black though. It also sounds great and with the STP option, it handles really well for a such a large car. I will get a 392 eventually based on everyone's feedback. I am just going to wait until more colors come out and to also make sure Dodge doesn't have some other big changes up their sleeve over the next couple of years (SRT-10, 426, Cuda, etc.). My wife also said when she thinks of Challengers she thinks of Hemi Orange. If they bring a color like that back, I'd be sold. I also heard the Challenger will remain largely unchanged through 2014. If the 392 is the last of them, I will definitely buy one regardless of color.

 

[Lord Warlock]

Actually, unless your stealth was fairly heavily modded, the r/t will walk away from it. A good time in a stock 1st gen steatlh turbo was a 13.5-13.8, the R/T will do 13.2-13.5 stock. (my stealth turbo has bigger turbos/injectors, upgraded exhaust,clutch, intake, etc etc and would likely put a 392 to shame). the mustang gt wouldn't even come close unless it was a cobra or shelby. The Hemi really seems to come alive in the upper rpm range.

If you've only got 1k on the RT you need to play more with it, they can be pretty fun to drive cars, true there are always faster ones, all it takes is cash. I'm glad speed isn't the driving factor in my car choice decision, like you i wouldn't mind having a 392 (really like the GWE cars) and my r/t has plenty of power for what i use it for, it isn't a drag car, i have no plans for the track, i've always considered supercharging it as an option, but lately am stepping back from that, i think i'll just keep it as is for a while.