Compare the2022 Dodge ChargerVS 2021 Audi S6

The Charger has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The S6 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Charger offers optional ParkSense that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The S6 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Charger and the S6 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Charger 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S6. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the S6 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 8 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Charger’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Charger third among large cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The S6 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 101 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge 17th in reliability. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Dodge 4 places higher in reliability than Audi.

The Charger Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 41 more horsepower (485 vs. 444) and 32 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 443) than the S6’s 2.9 turbo V6 hybrid.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Charger R/T’s fuel efficiency. The S6 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Charger has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The S6 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Charger Scat Pack’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The S6 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better traction, the Charger Scat Pack Widebody’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S6 (305/35R20 vs. 255/35R21).

The Charger has a standard space-saver spare (not available on R/T/Scat Pack) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the S6; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Charger’s wheelbase is 4.9 inches longer than on the S6 (120.2 inches vs. 115.3 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Charger Scat Pack’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the S6’s (37.5 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The Charger Scat Pack Widebody’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the S6’s (39 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The Dodge Charger may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 550 pounds less than the Audi S6.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Charger a Large car, while the S6 is rated a Mid-size.

The Charger has 5.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S6 (104.7 vs. 99).

The Charger has .6 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 2.7 inches more rear legroom and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the S6.

The Charger has a much larger trunk than the S6 (16.5 vs. 13.7 cubic feet).

The Charger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The S6 has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Damping on the Charger uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The S6 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Charger has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior, with the optional automatic climate control feature. The S6 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Charger to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The S6 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Charger is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The S6 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the Charger owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Charger will cost $3640 to $5115 less than the S6 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Dodge Charger will be $38829 to $39140 less than for the Audi S6.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Dodge Charger, based on reliability, safety and performance.