In an age where muscle cars see an inevitable end, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse beats out the dying competition.
Muscle cars, the pride and joy of American performance vehicles, are an integral part of automotive history in the American domestic market. Storied automakers like Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet currently offer models the segment described as big, angry and powerful, despite the inevitable future of the polar opposite in quiet and efficient electric cars. Moving into 2024 and beyond, however, Ford is the only automaker to confirm that internal combustion engines will remain in their lineup with the 2024 Mustang.
The lineup for the 2024 Ford Mustang is set to include the entry level four-cylinder turbo Ecoboost, the classic V8 GT, and the new lineup-topping V8 Dark Horse. One of Ford’s closest competitors in this segment, the Dodge Challenger, is still on offer with an aging design and no clear successor in the gas-engine realm. The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is the new kid on the block and is here to take the sales of the Challenger’s R/T Scat Pack trim.
Mustang Dark Horse Packs More Performance Than The Scat Pack
Being the top trim of Ford’s famous pony car means one thing for sure: big power. As mentioned, the 2024 Mustang will have two V8 trims in the GT and the Dark Horse. The Dark Horse features an upgraded version of Ford’s 5.0L Coyote V8, here producing 500 naturally-aspirated horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. Over in Dodge’s camp, the most comparable model is the Challenger R/T Scat Pack, which outputs 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque from their naturally-aspirated HEMI V8. Optional on both is adaptive suspension, however Ford’s latest iteration of their MagneRide continues to impress in leisure and performance driving situations. Standard on the Mustang are six-piston Brembo brakes, which are optional on the Challenger.
While the Dodge Challenger makes no excuse about being all about power and straight-line speed, Ford’s new Dark Horse promises to deliver a car that performs on the track as well as the drag strip. Optional on the Dark Horse is a handling package which includes the aforementioned MagneRide, adjustable strut top mounts, wider 305 front/315 rear tires, and revised chassis tuning specific to this trim. Furthermore, the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse offers an optional 3.55 Torsen limited-slip differential.
Ford’s New Pony Car Has A Modern Interior
The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, dubbed the S650 generation, is set to replace the beloved outgoing S550 generation. Visually the S650 generation serves as an update to the S550 by keeping the same major design features all around and modernizing them. Sharper lines in the rear and smoother, swooping lines in the front combine to make a design that is sleek, elegant and aggressive. The 2023 Challenger, on the other hand, has kept the same overall design since the current generation debuted in 2008. The wide front end with the hood bulge and muscular hips certainly have road presence and stick to the theme of the muscle car.
Inside the Mustang Dark Horse gets a host of modern tech that the final versions of the Challenger R/T Scat Pack do not offer. For twisty turns and sporty looks owners can option their Mustang Dark Horse with grippy Recaro bucket seats. For all pertinent information the Mustang features a fully digital and configurable 12.4-inch LED gauge cluster that continues across the dash to a 13.2-inch center infotainment display. While the Challenger offers an optional combo leather and alcantara bucket seat, it retains analog gauges separate from an 8.4-inch center touch screen display, giving the Mustang the edge in modern tech and versatility.
The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse’s Price Seals The Deal
With the 2024 Mustang set to hit dealership floors Summer 2023, Ford has been steadily dishing out info, including price. For 2024 the Mustang Dark Horse starts at $59,565 including a destination charge of $1595. The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack starts at $48,440, just over $10,000 difference. At face value it looks like these cars lie in different price brackets. When you look at the optional equipment on the Challenger that comes standard on the Mustang.
Ultimately, a large reason for the price difference of these muscle cars is exclusivity. The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse will have limited availability with production numbers announced at a later date. The Challenger is on its way to an inevitable death and the Mustang is here to offer more.
