Midwest Muscle For Less: Used Mustang Vs. Challenger – Which Holds Its Value Better?

Many Midwest shoppers want a sports car that is fun but also keeps its value. The Used Mustang Vs Challenger Midwest market shows big differences in how these cars lose or keep their worth over time.

This blog will compare Mustang vs Challenger reliability, fuel economy, features, and resale value to help you choose the best fit. Find out which muscle car gives you more for your money!

Key Takeaways

• Mustang and Challenger are popular in the Midwest. They offer power and classic looks.

• Mustang keeps its value better, saving money long-term. It's efficient, too.

• Both have strong engines. Mustang handles better; Challenger is roomier.

• Maintenance costs are close but depend on the model.

• Tom Tepe Autocenter gives advice and has many cars to choose from.

  
  

Overview of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger

The Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger have long dominated the muscle car scene across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Drivers in cities like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Harrison, Aurora, and Milan love their strong engines and classic styling.

Iconic legacy of muscle cars

Muscle cars have shaped American roads since the 1960s, standing for power and freedom. Models like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are key symbols in this high-horsepower tradition.

The pony car era started with Mustangs turning heads at drag strips across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and cities such as Cincinnati and Indianapolis. These cars show off strong engines like Ecoboost or Hemi V8s paired with features such as rear-wheel drive and limited-slip differentials.

Across years of innovation, drivers enjoy bold styling: tail lamps that pop, racing stripes on a Mach 1 or GT350, sharp side mirrors, fog lamps for early Midwest mornings, and modern headlights plus daytime running lights (DRLs).

Inside these muscle machines sit sports seats wrapped in quality materials; advanced tech like Apple CarPlay keeps you connected from Harrison, Ohio, to Milan, Indiana. Their status grew thanks to safety upgrades—forward collision warning systems, knee airbags, backup cameras—and performance gear including stabilizer bars and traction control.

Both Mustangs and Challengers remain popular choices for shoppers looking for used cars loaded with history as well as excitement. Let’s explore their standout appeal in today’s Midwest market next.

Popularity in the Midwest market

Dodge Challenger leads sports car sales in 46 states, including Indiana and Ohio. These areas show a strong preference for Dodge models over other options such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

Most muscle car fans in the Midwest choose the Challenger or Charger when shopping for rear-wheel drive cars with features like stability control, driving assistance, and keyless entry.

"Car buyers here love powerful engines and bold style," says Harry Tepe from Tom Tepe Autocenter. Recent sales data show that Indiana drivers pick the Challenger R/T more than any other two-door coupe.

Even though Ford still sells many Mustangs in Aurora, Indiana, local trends favor Dodge’s big body style and classic looks. Next up is performance—see how engine choices stack up across both lines.

Performance Comparison

Mustang and Challenger both pack serious muscle under the hood. Our team looks at how different engines, curb weight, and rear-wheel drive shape the way each car performs in real Midwest driving.

Engine options and horsepower

Ford Mustang offers a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost engine with 310 horsepower and up to 330 horsepower if you pick the High Performance Package. The heart of many used Mustangs, the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, puts out up to 470 horsepower for serious muscle car punch on Midwest roads like those in Aurora Indiana.

Dodge Challenger packs choices from a strong 3.6L V6 at 303 horsepower to bold HEMI powertrains. You get a classic driving feel with the naturally aspirated engines: the 5.7L HEMI V8 with 375 horsepower and the big-bore 392 HEMI V8 at 485 horsepower.

Looking for more? Hellcat models use supercharged high-output V8s that deliver an eye-popping range from 717 up to an insane 807 horsepower.

Power numbers shape how each model drives, but handling and real-world experience matter just as much for muscle car fans who want more than just straight-line speed.

Handling and driving experience

Mustang models handle corners with sharp precision. The lighter body, rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, and MagneRide Damping System in the Mach 1 help deliver strong grip and agility on Midwest roads.

These sports cars make parking simple for city driving or crowded lots. Drivers enjoy quick steering response and better maneuverability than larger coupes or SUVs.

Challenger stands out with classic muscle style and big engine options like the Hellcat, but it is heavier than the Mustang. This extra weight makes it feel less nimble in tight turns.

SXT and GT trims offer all-wheel drive (AWD), which helps with traction in rain or snow but adds even more bulk. Those looking for vintage charm may love its ride, while drivers focused on handling often pick the Mustang over the Challenger for everyday fun behind the wheel at Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country.

Reliability and Maintenance

Our team always checks long-term ratings and tracks maintenance costs on each Ford Mustang GT and Dodge Challenger we offer. Many drivers in the Midwest rely on features like tire pressure monitoring systems, adaptive cruise control, blind spot indicators, and hill start assist to help their cars last longer.

Long-term reliability ratings

Both the Mustang and Challenger have an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, according to recent data. The Challenger ranks 19th and the Mustang sits at 20th place among midsize cars for dependability.

Owners report about 0.2 repair shop visits each year with the Mustang, while the Challenger averages around 0.22.

Urgent repairs make up 14% of yearly fixes for both vehicles, showing similar risk levels over time. Typical annual repair costs fall close together: expect $709 for a used Mustang and $650 for a used Challenger.

Many owners praise their Mustangs not just for their strong community culture but also for solid driver assistance features like blind spot systems (BLIS) and tire pressure monitoring systems.

My Dodge Challenger handles daily commutes as well as weekend trips without much hassle, shared a local owner during our Midwest market survey in March.

The Dodge Charger feels better suited for day-to-day use or long highway drives due to its roomier build, while the Ford Mustang GT offers a more compact size focused on pure performance and sport suspension engineering common in S550 models from recent years.

Both come equipped with features like adaptive cruise control, keyless ignition, lane keep assist, automatic braking, high beams that adjust themselves, rain-sensing windshield wipers, digital instrument clusters, remote keyless entry options through FordPass or Chrysler Uconnect apps—helping drivers feel confident behind the wheel mile after mile.

Each car averages similar maintenance needs, so used muscle fans can confidently pick either model from Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country’s selection, knowing they will enjoy dependable rides across every season.

Typical maintenance costs

Mustang owners pay about $709 each year for upkeep. This is higher than the average car, which costs $651 yearly to maintain. Ford Mustangs with V8 engines give strong performance but sometimes face engine and transmission issues over time.

Staying on top of regular oil changes, brake jobs, and tire rotations helps avoid bigger repairs.

Dodge Challenger drivers spend around $650 a year for routine service. Maintenance stays lower if you choose a V6 model instead of a V8 or Hellcat trim. Past customers at Tom Tepe Autocenter see fewer surprise bills when they keep up with basic care tasks like changing fluids and checking the turn signal lights often.

Both muscle cars benefit from regular checkups to hold their value in the Midwest market, especially compared to sedans like Chevrolet Camaro models or other Fords in this class.

Resale Value: Mustang vs. Challenger

Our team often sees used Mustangs retain their price better over the years than most Dodge Challengers. Careful buyers check history reports and mileage to estimate future market demand for each sports car.

Depreciation trends for both models

Mustang models show strong value retention. After five years, a Mustang keeps 45% of its original price. Chargers and Camaros also hold their worth well, but the Mustang leads by 5.7 percentage points over the Challenger.

For example, buying a two-year-old Ford Mustang saves drivers money compared to a factory-fresh model.

The Chevrolet Camaro keeps about 76.2% of its cost after five years; however, Mustangs retain even more at nearly 79%. Data shows that three-year-old muscle cars like the Challenger and Mustang keep more value than most other vehicles in today’s market.

A pre-owned Ford Mustang from 2023 offers buyers some of the best value for money among modern muscle cars.

Next comes an important look at what impacts these resale prices for performance vehicles, including Hellcats and other popular trims.

Factors influencing resale value

Muscle cars like Mustang and Challenger often keep their worth well. Data shows retention rates around 79% for the Mustang after five years, and models such as Camaro hold about 76.2%.

High resale values come from strong performance, trusted reliability scores, and lasting popularity in the Midwest market. Horsepower also plays a big part; buyers want fun driving mixed with everyday use.

Features like updated MPG, cabin design, and technology matter too when shoppers compare muscle cars side by side. A wide range of engines on the Challenger gives more options, but can affect resale based on demand for power versus daily practicality.

Popular choices remain those with balance: good handling, solid comfort features, and lower maintenance costs over time.

Next up is fuel economy for used Mustangs and Challengers—see which fits your budget best.

Fuel Economy

Drivers today want a strong engine, but they also care about saving fuel. Both the Mustang and Challenger offer different miles-per-gallon ratings, which can affect your running costs over time.

Efficiency of used Mustang models

Mustang EcoBoost models stand out for their strong fuel efficiency. A 2.3L Mustang EcoBoost gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on highways. Some used Mustangs with this engine reach up to 22 MPG city and the same impressive highway figure.

The powertrain balances solid horsepower with good gas mileage, making it a favorite among sports car fans who want less time at the pump. This balance of performance and Mustang vs Challenger fuel economy gives buyers more value over the years of ownership.

Mustangs offer multiple engine options, but the turbocharged four-cylinder strikes a smart balance between fun driving and saving money on gas. Many Midwest shoppers at Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country appreciate this mix of power, style, and cost savings when comparing Mustang vs Challenger features or overall running costs.

Efficiency of used Challenger models

Used Dodge Challenger models deliver a wide range of fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gives you an EPA-estimated 19 miles per gallon in the city and up to 30 on the highway.

This makes it one of the most efficient options for shoppers who want muscle car power without constant trips to the pump.

Moving to V8 engines like the R/T’s 5.7-liter, efficiency drops to about 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Scat Pack, with its larger engine, gets around 14 mpg in town and up to 23 on highways.

Challenger fuel economy always lowers as horsepower climbs, which matters if you love that classic muscle feel but care about your budget long-term. These figures show where Challenger vs Mustang handling and performance start to impact everyday running costs at Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country.

Interior and Features

Both the Mustang and Challenger offer supportive sport seating, user-friendly touchscreens, and smartphone connectivity. My team at Tom Tepe Autocenter can walk you through each car’s comfort options and infotainment systems to help you find what fits your lifestyle best.

Comfort and technology in Mustangs

Mustangs offer comfort with features like power seats, bucket front seats, and a 50/50 split-folding rear seat. Front headroom measures 39.3 inches, and leg room reaches 42 inches.

In the back, passengers get 37.1 inches of headroom and 33.1 inches of legroom. Cloth seating comes standard for durability, while the bench rear seat has a trunk pass-through for more cargo space.

Technology shines in every Mustang model our dealership offers at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country. The SYNC 3 infotainment system uses an eight-inch touchscreen paired with a Bang & Olufsen sound system for crisp audio on every drive.

FordPass app access gives you remote start options, vehicle status checks, and trip planning from your phone or tablet. Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start makes getting in fast and easy.

The Mustang puts smart tech right at your fingertips, says Harry Tepe of Tom Tepe Autocenter.

Safety systems boost peace of mind: automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, knee airbags, and pedestrian detection all come standard to protect drivers on Midwest roads as they compare Mustang vs Challenger performance.

Interior design and features in Challengers

Challenger cabins look bold and sporty, but the material quality trails behind the Mustang. Each model comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen system plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone use.

You get six Premium Alpine Speakers in many trims, solid sound controls, and Uconnect 4 or even Uconnect 4C with an 8.4-inch screen on higher grades. SRT models bring cool perks like SRT Performance Pages to check real-time engine data.

A Challenger fits five people thanks to its bench rear seat layout, offering more space than most muscle coupes. The trunk holds up to 13.3 cubic feet of cargo; there is also a second-row pass-through for longer gear.

Options include all-wheel drive in SXT and GT trims, plus widebody packages and one-of-a-kind paint choices other brands do not offer.

Next up, compare comfort features inside Mustangs for sports car shoppers who want both speed and tech.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

Take a look at your driving habits and the kind of sports car experience you want. Our team at Tom Tepe Autocenter can help match you with the right muscle car for your lifestyle using tools like vehicle history reports and side-by-side model comparisons.

Evaluating your lifestyle and preferences

City drivers often like the Mustang for its smaller size and agile handling. Tech lovers may lean toward the Mustang too, thanks to standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

Shoppers seeking stronger safety features might also look toward it.

The Challenger suits those who want a true muscle car feel and a roomy cabin. Its wider selection of engines attracts buyers looking for extra horsepower. Anyone wanting more space or comfort on long drives could prefer the Challenger as well.

Choosing between these two muscle cars depends on how you drive, your favorite features, and what you need in daily life.

Knowing your preferences makes it easier to match your budget and goals with long-term value from either model.

Considering budget and long-term value

Mustang prices usually fall between $17,000 and $30,000. Challenger models range from $19,000 to $35,000. Mustang insurance rates are often lower than Challenger’s for most drivers.

EcoBoost Mustang trims offer better fuel economy than similar Challengers.

Long-term value matters in sports cars. Mustang holds its value well; it ranks in the top 25 percent for resale among muscle cars. Challenger is popular too, but tends to lose more value over time compared to Mustang.

For shoppers wanting a good deal that lasts, Ford’s classic coupe stands out in both price and lasting worth. Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country offer many options so you can find high-value picks without stretching your budget.

Financing Your Used Mustang or Challenger

My team helps you find payment plans that fit your wallet and lifestyle. Our experts guide you through applications for auto loans, making the process simple and stress-free.

Understanding your financing options

Flexible auto loan choices help you drive home your dream Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger. Tom Tepe Autocenter offers loan terms from 48 to 72 months, giving you control over your payments and budget.

Buyers can use our online financing application for quick approval on car purchases.

Special finance rates are available on used muscle cars for qualified buyers. Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country welcome customers with all types of credit backgrounds, including those working to rebuild their scores.

You can also get a fast estimate of your trade-in value and monthly payment by using our online calculators. Our team provides one-on-one support so each shopper finds the best fit for their needs.

Every step stays simple, clear, and focused on getting you into a reliable sports car at a great rate.

Why Buy Your Next Vehicle from Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country

Our team offers honest advice, great prices, and a wide range of muscle cars—discover your next ride with us today.

Trusted dealership in the Midwest

Tom Tepe Autocenter has built trust across the Midwest with a strong focus on quality and safe vehicles. My team specializes in reliable used cars to fit Midwest weather and driving needs, including top muscle options like Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers.

We inspect and recondition each vehicle before sale at our center, keeping safety and performance high. Over 90% of clients recommend Tom Tepe Autocenter because they get honest advice, fair prices, and great service.

Flexible financing helps fit your budget if you qualify. Our expert technicians support all models with regular maintenance or repairs after purchase, too. Car Country gives shoppers even more choices for affordable used sports cars under trusted care.

Find your next Mustang or Challenger among many options ready for a test drive at both locations before exploring our wide inventory of used muscle cars waiting onsite.

Wide selection of quality used Mustangs and Challengers

Our team offers a wide range of used Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers at Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country. You can find different trims, colors, and engine types to fit your style.

Every vehicle goes through regular maintenance services to keep it running strong for Midwest roads. With over 2,000 vehicles sold each year, buyers trust our history of quality.

Many shoppers in the Midwest choose us because we highlight top-condition muscle cars at fair prices. Our customer reviews show a 90% recommendation rate across all models on our lot.

Easy financing is available for qualified customers with various credit backgrounds on these sports cars. Up next: discover how excellent support sets us apart while you shop for your Mustang or Challenger.

Excellent customer service and support

Tom Tepe Autocenter serves over 2,000 customers each year with a focus on sports car shoppers. The staff gives personalized consultations to help everyone find the right Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger.

People can expect honest advice at every step, making the buying process clear and simple. Each visitor gets full support, from browsing options to test-driving cars.

The dealership also offers financing plans for many types of budgets and credit scores. Staff stress regular maintenance after purchase so your muscle car keeps running strong. Tom Tepe Autocenter values transparency and building long-term relationships through excellent service and customer care.

Conclusion

Choosing between a used Ford Mustang and a Dodge Challenger depends on your needs. Both are strong muscle cars with loyal fans in the Midwest. The Mustang often holds its value a bit better and offers great fuel efficiency for its class.

Our team at Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country is ready to help you find the right fit. Stop by, compare them side by side, and see which one works best for you.

FAQs

1. Which car holds its value better in the Midwest: Mustang or Challenger?The Ford Mustang generally retains its value better than the Dodge Challenger. While both are strong in the used car market, Mustangs tend to depreciate less over time, giving you stronger long-term value.

2. How do the Mustang and Challenger compare in performance for everyday Midwest driving?Mustang models are lighter and more agile, making them great for city streets and curvy roads. Challengers, on the other hand, provide more space and comfort with bigger engine options, though they feel heavier in tight turns.

3. Are maintenance costs very different between a used Mustang and Challenger?Not significantly. Expect around $650–$709 annually, depending on the model and trim. Regular oil changes, brake jobs, and tire rotations are key to keeping both running strong and protecting resale value.

4. What role does fuel economy play when choosing between these muscle cars?Mustang EcoBoost models lead in efficiency, offering up to 32 MPG on the highway. Challengers with V6 engines perform well too, but V8 and Hellcat trims consume more fuel, which can increase long-term costs.

5. Why should I buy my next Mustang or Challenger from Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country?Our team inspects and reconditions every vehicle for quality and safety. With a wide selection of trims, flexible financing options for qualified customers, and trusted service across Milan, Aurora, and Harrison, we make it easy to find the right muscle car for your lifestyle.

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Harry Tepe, Owner and Dealer Principal, Tom Tepe Autocenter

Harry Tepe is a seasoned automotive expert and the owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, a leading vehicle dealership serving the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for automobiles.

Over the years, Harry worked his way up through various roles, absorbing valuable insights into sales management and dealership operations until he became the youngest GM Dealer Principal and owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, expanding the business to include multiple locations and a standalone reconditioning center.

Under Harry's leadership, Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country in Aurora and Harrison, Ohio, have grown exponentially, selling over 2000 vehicles annually and generating over $50 million in revenue. His active involvement in the industry is further evidenced by his participation in the NADA 20 Group and his influential role on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Auto Dealers Association, even serving as its President in 2016.

Harry's journey embodies the essence of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. His insights and experiences are not just stories of personal growth and business success; they are testaments to his deep understanding of and commitment to the automotive industry.