Compare the2023 Dodge ChallengerVS 2023 Audi A5

Both the Challenger and the A5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Challenger 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the A5 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 Challenger’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Challenger has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Challenger optional and 220 392/Hellcat). The A5’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Challenger has a standard 730-amp battery. The A5’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 96 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 31st, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

The Challenger’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 42 more horsepower (303 vs. 261) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Challenger R/T automatic’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 111 more horsepower (372 vs. 261) and 127 lbs.-ft. more torque (400 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Challenger R/T manual’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 114 more horsepower (375 vs. 261) and 137 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 224 more horsepower (485 vs. 261) and 202 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Challenger SRT Demon 170’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 764 more horsepower (1025 vs. 261) and 672 lbs.-ft. more torque (945 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Challenger 5.7/6.4 V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The A5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Challenger has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the A5 (18.5 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Dodge Challenger, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A5.

For better stopping power the Challenger Hellcat/Redeye’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the A5:

The Challenger R/T/GT’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the A5 are solid, not vented.

The Challenger stops much shorter than the A5:

For better traction, the Challenger SRT Super Stock’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A5 (315/40R18 vs. 255/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Challenger offers optional 20-inch wheels. The A5’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Challenger offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger’s wheelbase is 7.2 inches longer than on the A5 (116 inches vs. 108.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Challenger is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the A5.

The SRT Hellcat Redeye handles at .96 G’s, while the A5 Prestige Coupe pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The SRT Widebody Hellcat Redeye executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the A5 Prestige Coupe (24.3 seconds @ .82 average G’s vs. 26.3 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Challenger a Compact car, while the A5 Coupe is rated a Subcompact.

The Challenger has standard seating for 5 passengers; the A5 can only carry 4.

The Challenger has 9.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A5 Coupe (93.7 vs. 84).

The Challenger has 1.9 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom, 3.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom, .4 inches more rear legroom and 3.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the A5 Coupe.

The Challenger has a much larger trunk than the A5 Coupe (16.2 vs. 10.9 cubic feet).

The Challenger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The A5 has no towing capacity.

The Challenger Automatic offers a 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. The A5 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Challenger’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The A5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

On a hot day the Challenger’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the A5 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The Challenger is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The A5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the Challenger owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Challenger with a number “1” insurance rate while the A5 is rated higher at a number “3” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Challenger is less expensive to operate than the A5 because it costs $346 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Challenger than the A5, including $464 less for a water pump, $417 less for a starter, $152 less for fuel injection, $208 less for front struts and $49 less for a timing belt/chain.

The Dodge Challenger outsold the Audi A5/S5 by over three to one during 2022.