What will the 2018 Dodge SRT Demon beat in a drag race? Cars costing 10 times as much, that's what

MarcSpaz

Resident Trouble Maker
Established Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2016
Messages
2,760
Location
Location: Location:
I dunno about the rain comments, but comparing the Demon to any of the cars here is laughable in any category but 1/4 mile. Nobody is gonna be cross shopping a LAF etc with a demon.


And I'm sorry, but it's not like Dodge has achieved something amazing or done anything truely impressive engineering wise. Yes, it's fast. But is it any faster/better than what the aftermarket already offers?

What exactly is it doing that a aftermarket supercharged Hellcat, ZL1, or GT500 cannot? Isn't it basically a factory version of an aftermarket modded car, except it costs way more?

You can't really make the argument someone couldn't take a coyote, new Camaro, or 392 charger etc and have a faster, still street legal car for far less $$. And if the 1/4 mile is all that matters....


To me this thing is like a Roush/Shelby version of a mustang GT. It's cool, it's fast (in the demons case really fast) but if I was my dollar I'd be hard pressed to spend 100 grand plus on what amounts to a sooped up 35k car you still need to weld a cage in to hit NHRA tracks. No thanks.

Edit: On top of all that, it's 85k plus insane ADMs. Fully out of reach of most people. It's not like this is some bargain of a car with tons of insane cutting edge tech.


I agree that people looking at $400k super/hyper cars are "likely" not including a Dodge Challenger in the list of options.

Really, the big deal isn't the speed or power, but the fact that it is factory stock. It set something like 7 all-time records and a few factory firsts, as it relates to a production car.

Plus, you're aren't gonna take a 9 second fox body on a 2,000 mile road trip and expect to be even remotely comfortable. If the Demon is anything like my Hellcat, you'll likely be able to drive the car coast to coast in comfort.

My Hellcat is like a Fleetwood Brougham, but it runs 10s. My guess is the Demon will be the same.
 

Serpent

Bike or Cobra?
Established Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
9,347
Location
Mountain View, CA
Cliff notes:

A $5K fox body beater can be made faster than a Demon for way less money.

All factory performance cars are a waste. Just build up some old piece of crap for cheaper.
The cheapest build is buying a used xbox 360 and forza 4, building a car in the game to 1000+hp. Can do that in less than a day! (buy the console and game, earn money to buy cars, build a foxbody).
 

ON D BIT

Finish First
Established Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2003
Messages
16,212
Location
Currently in Sonoma County
I agree that people looking at $400k super/hyper cars are "likely" not including a Dodge Challenger in the list of options.

Really, the big deal isn't the speed or power, but the fact that it is factory stock. It set something like 7 all-time records and a few factory firsts, as it relates to a production car.

Plus, you're aren't gonna take a 9 second fox body on a 2,000 mile road trip and expect to be even remotely comfortable. If the Demon is anything like my Hellcat, you'll likely be able to drive the car coast to coast in comfort.

My Hellcat is like a Fleetwood Brougham, but it runs 10s. My guess is the Demon will be the same.
But would you take the demon on a 2k mile road trip on dr and skinnies. Hellcat please:)
 

2000gt4.6

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Joined
May 12, 2011
Messages
1,185
Location
Missouri
Cliff notes:

A $5K fox body beater can be made faster than a Demon for way less money.

All factory performance cars are a waste. Just build up some old piece of crap for cheaper.

Or...since the only thing that apparently matters is a 1/4 mile time you could buy a 392 Challenger or Charger, spend way way way less money on basically the same parts the demon has, and run faster times while having the same car.

Hell, there are plenty of guys on here turning mid 9s in blown coyotes that still have all the creature comforts. For sure a hell of alot less invested than 125k, or even 85.

I get the point of a performance version of a car. But I don't get the point of a 1/4 mile version of the car. Especially one that's gonna cost 125k plus to get in the garage.

Point is, for far less money you could build a faster car on the exact same platform. What's tough is building something like a ZL1 or 350R which will do many things well, and not beat you to death doing it.

This car is a more badass Dodge version of a Saleen or Roush in my opinion. Grab a ton of aftermarket parts anyone can buy, toss em on the car, and charge four times what the parts cost.

So far as it being the fastest production car in the 1/4 mile... Yeah, it is. The problem is nobody else ever really tried to make one (car focused on 1/4 mile). Kid yourself not, if any of the mentioned cars (lfa etc) were focusing on 1/4 mile it wouldn't be the fastest. Congratulations, you've won a one man race.

I don't hate the car, but it's pure dumb to compare it to a super or hypercar, and it's not in the same category at all.
 

DHG1078

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Established Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2007
Messages
9,368
Location
So Cal
Whats the difference in gearing between all those cars? Transmission and final drive. Difference in top speed?
 

GTSpartan

Yield right!!!!
Established Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2004
Messages
9,343
Location
The Woods
Point is, for far less money you could build a faster car on the exact same platform. What's tough is building something like a ZL1 or 350R which will do many things well, and not beat you to death doing it.

Prove that it's more difficult. Don't so quickly assume a drag focused car is some elementary engineering exercise.

As for doing a lower cost version for less, you could make the same exact argument about the ZL1 and 350. By the base V8 versions of each car, drop $10K in them and mop the floor with them and be money way ahead. One is a fully validated factory effort, and one is simply modified.
 

MarcSpaz

Resident Trouble Maker
Established Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2016
Messages
2,760
Location
Location: Location:
I think something that a lot of people are missing is this... That manufacturers of these cars have watched the aftermarket world, what's popular among owners, and made an effort to integrate those items into a factory new car, with a warranty. The draw for a large group of customers is That they get a turn key application with a warranty. The draw for the builders would be increased revenue, of which was formally shared with the aftermarket world.

Bottom line... There is a market for them and there are lots of great turn-key hot rods, pony cars and muscle cars out there for those who want them.
 

ibleedblue65

Active Member
Established Member
Joined
May 17, 2012
Messages
831
Location
Ga
Prove that it's more difficult. Don't so quickly assume a drag focused car is some elementary engineering exercise.

As for doing a lower cost version for less, you could make the same exact argument about the ZL1 and 350. By the base V8 versions of each car, drop $10K in them and mop the floor with them and be money way ahead. One is a fully validated factory effort, and one is simply modified.


This. Getting even a hellcat to go 9.65 isn't as easy as 200gt4.6 thinks nor do i think he really understands the cost to modify a car properly if you're paying someone else to do the work.
 

ssj4sadie

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Premium Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2001
Messages
9,181
Location
San Antonio, TX
I call BS on an enthusiast that can truly afford any of those hyper cars not "cross-shopping". Our resident "can afford those cars" enthusiast has already stated (in no certain terms) that the Demon is on the plate as far as purchases go.

Edit: And when did SVTP become so rampant with ricer logic?
 

DHG1078

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Established Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2007
Messages
9,368
Location
So Cal
I call BS on an enthusiast that can truly afford any of those hyper cars not "cross-shopping". Our resident "can afford those cars" enthusiast has already stated (in no certain terms) that the Demon is on the plate as far as purchases go.

I wouldn't go that far. It isn't as binary as you can afford to buy every hyper car that comes out every year, or you can afford a Demon. There are modest millionaires out there who can afford 1 hyper car purchase every 5 years or so.
 

earl lee

Active Member
Established Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2003
Messages
1,197
Location
GA
I call BS on an enthusiast that can truly afford any of those hyper cars not "cross-shopping". Our resident "can afford those cars" enthusiast has already stated (in no certain terms) that the Demon is on the plate as far as purchases go.

Edit: And when did SVTP become so rampant with ricer logic?

Sadly some guys are seriously butthurt since it is a Dodge and not a Ford. I also think they are tired of waiting for the next Shelby GT500.

Ford was top dog for a while with 13/14 Shelby GT500. Then the Hellcat's came out, followed by a new ZL1. Now the Demon and its like why is Ford taking so long, oh they released a TT v6 Ford GT nobody can afford great!

The GT350 is great, but lets be real its about 1/4 mile times and horsepower bragging rights for most on this forum.

I dont doubt the next GT500 is going to be a beast, I just think the Ford Faithful are growing a little impatient waiting for it.
 

ssj4sadie

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Premium Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2001
Messages
9,181
Location
San Antonio, TX
I wouldn't go that far. It isn't as binary as you can afford to buy every hyper car that comes out every year, or you can afford a Demon. There are modest millionaires out there who can afford 1 hyper car purchase every 5 years or so.
Key word is enthusiast. Sure there are millionaires that can buy a hyper car every now and then (probably as an investment or status symbol). But those aren't the guys I'm talking about. I'm talking the ones that build a museum of vehicles or track the shit out of their fleet.

He may not of have shared with us...but I doubt @treynor is building a mega yacht. Not saying he lacks the money, but that his priority seems to be cars.
 

DHG1078

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Established Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2007
Messages
9,368
Location
So Cal
Key word is enthusiast. Sure there are millionaires that can buy a hyper car every now and then (probably as an investment or status symbol). But those aren't the guys I'm talking about. I'm talking the ones that build a museum of vehicles or track the shit out of their fleet.

He may not of have shared with us...but I doubt @treynor is building a mega yacht. Not saying he lacks the money, but that his priority seems to be cars.

So people in the middle can't be an enthusiast? If you only buy 1 or two hyper cars, you aren't an enthusiast? You're only an enthusiast if you buy a Demon?
 

ssj4sadie

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Premium Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2001
Messages
9,181
Location
San Antonio, TX
So people in the middle can't be an enthusiast? If you only buy 1 or two hyper cars, you aren't an enthusiast? You're only an enthusiast if you buy a Demon?
Not at all. But if you can truly afford one of those $1mil+ hyper cars an $100k (including ADM) should* not be a problem. But this is a stupid comparison to begin with as "cross-shopping" really only applies to us pleabs.
 

tones_RS3

I like members members.
Established Member
Premium Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
21,281
Location
MA
Sadly some guys are seriously butthurt since it is a Dodge and not a Ford. I also think they are tired of waiting for the next Shelby GT500.
Ford was top dog for a while with 13/14 Shelby GT500. Then the Hellcat's came out, followed by a new ZL1. Now the Demon and its like why is Ford taking so long, oh they released a TT v6 Ford GT nobody can afford great!
The GT350 is great, but lets be real its about 1/4 mile times and horsepower bragging rights for most on this forum.
I dont doubt the next GT500 is going to be a beast, I just think the Ford Faithful are growing a little impatient waiting for it.
Great post Earl!
 

92GreenGT

Turbos FTW!!!
Established Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2004
Messages
1,184
Location
Big Stone Gap, VA
Not all foxes are junker cars. There are a few that are built right and perform well and drive well. When I built mine I used the C5 Z06 as a base car to compare it too. Not everyone can afford these new flavor of the week cars, that doesn't mean a properly built fox is a "junker" just because it's a old car. I agree most of them are junkers because they only worry about one thing, straight line speed no matter the cost. Me personally I'd rather have my fox that I built that'll run just as fast as these cars and still be able to be daily driven. Hot rodding is about the fun of building something you want to enjoy and actually using it/driving it. I don't feel ashamed that my "junker" fox can compete with some of these cars because it's what I can afford and built. I get what you're saying because that's what an uneducated person would say, get you one of them there foxes and throw money in it and outrun xxx vehicle in question. Different strokes for different strokes I guess, but I enjoy and like my fox. If you can't go out and buy the new flavor of the week car then be happy with what you've built and have fun. Respect the newer cars for what they can do with all the new technology power they have but don't shit on the lower guy who built his car and can hang with these new cars. I like everything fast, just not in that point in my life where I can go out and buy a competitive car from the showroom so I have to continue making the one I can afford be somewhat competitive. It's all in good fun anyways, some people just take it too serious.
 

treynor

Confirmed Power Junkie
Established Member
Premium Member
SVTP OG 4 Life
Joined
Oct 18, 2002
Messages
3,720
Location
TX
He may not of have shared with us...but I doubt @treynor is building a mega yacht. Not saying he lacks the money, but that his priority seems to be cars.

Correct.

That said, mega-yachts are --expensive-- at a scale that cars do not approach. When you hear multi-billionaires warning each other about them ("be careful, those big boats will suck you dry!") ... tread with caution.
 

2000gt4.6

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Joined
May 12, 2011
Messages
1,185
Location
Missouri
Prove that it's more difficult. Don't so quickly assume a drag focused car is some elementary engineering exercise.

As for doing a lower cost version for less, you could make the same exact argument about the ZL1 and 350. By the base V8 versions of each car, drop $10K in them and mop the floor with them and be money way ahead. One is a fully validated factory effort, and one is simply modified.

They added more power via a bigger blower, a killer chiller, and a few other race goodies the aftermarket has been using for decades. Then they pulled the seats out and removed other things for weight reduction, added big rear tires and skinnys and went to town. This isn't rocket science.

Meanwhile youre asking to "prove" that it took more engineering to develop a car like the McLaren that uses a hybrid drive train, active aero, carbon fiber everything, insane stability and traction controls, you name it. Really?

Even the ZL1/350R are much more difficult, and the proof is easy to see. Go scroll down to the 2011-2014 mustangs section and look at the laundry list of guys in the 9 (and even 8) second club. Now let's see a list of 2011+ mustangs that handle like a 350r....I've never seen one.

Make it some unicorn all you want...9s is not difficult as it once was. I could literally go buy a 2011 mustang GT and purchase every part needed to go 9s from my phone here by simply copying at least a handful of proven setups. All it takes is money.

It's a cool car. It's great dodge set out to make a 1/4 mile killer, and if that's your thing great. But if you really believe a Dodge with one seat and slicks/skinnys compares to a McLaren or LAF youre nuts.
 

GTSpartan

Yield right!!!!
Established Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2004
Messages
9,343
Location
The Woods
They added more power via a bigger blower, a killer chiller, and a few other race goodies the aftermarket has been using for decades. Then they pulled the seats out and removed other things for weight reduction, added big rear tires and skinnys and went to town. This isn't rocket science.

Meanwhile youre asking to "prove" that it took more engineering to develop a car like the McLaren that uses a hybrid drive train, active aero, carbon fiber everything, insane stability and traction controls, you name it. Really?

Even the ZL1/350R are much more difficult, and the proof is easy to see. Go scroll down to the 2011-2014 mustangs section and look at the laundry list of guys in the 9 (and even 8) second club. Now let's see a list of 2011+ mustangs that handle like a 350r....I've never seen one.

I was not referring to a $1M+ hypercar in terms of difficultly to engineer vs. the Demon, rather the ZL1 and GT350. They also put go fast parts on those cars similar to what the aftermarket has offered for years. Big brakes, sticky tires, more extreme suspension setups, and more HP. Some of the tech is pretty neat, but essentially the same formula that has been used for decades

BTW, there are lots of S197's and S550's (even Foxes) running around in various HPDE, SCCA, etc events that would whip a GT350 and ZL1. I'm not talking about the big budget race team either. The GT350 and ZL1 aren't some mythical and unbeatable machines.
 

Users who are viewing this thread



Top