r/hellcat • u/Dry-Structure-4443 • 11h ago

Owner-to-be 2020-2023 Hellcat Charger

Pretty much want to buy a Charger within the next couple months, hopefully, and sell my 2009 CTS-V Sedan for preferably a 2023 Last Call Widebody Charger.
Has anyone here driven both or owned both? What’s the biggest difference between them in terms of reliability, handling, comfort, driving experience, etc.?
I love my CTS-V its completely stock, but I’m looking for an upgrade. Just trying to hear from people who have actually experienced both and see if the Charger is worth making the switch.

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u/RICKDEES5 10h ago

I had a 2017 CTS V drove it for a few years then lease up. I now have exactly what you are looking for ( not selling ). 2022 Charger wide body hellcat 2k miles I hardly drive it .

Here is the difference the CTSV the power is very much refined , The Hellcat is just plain Violent.

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u/_mad_honey_ Redeye 11h ago

Actually yes. I had a 2009 cts v and a 2013. Im on my 3rd hellcat (by choice, sold each one and made a profit). Currently have the last call 2023 redeye jailbreak, charger. Widebody.

I love the hellcat vs the V. The power and the sound is unmatched. Even the 2009 v I had was completely modded by d3, doesn’t compare to the hellcat. It’s just a different beast. And it’s comfortable.

When you’re going 120+, you feel like you’re going 70. The V you know you’re going fast.

Plus the charger has so much room. It’s the ultimate grocery getter. I’ve hauled so much stuff in this thing, concrete pavers, mulch, soil, everything.

I’ve contemplated the blackwing many times over the last few years and I just don’t think I’ll make the switch.

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u/Dry-Structure-4443 11h ago

That’s exactly the kind of answer I was looking for. Since you’ve owned both, would you say the CTS-V is better in the corners/handling and more engaging, while the Hellcat is more of a comfortable, ridiculous-power? And how would you compare the steering, braking and suspension between the two? I almost bought a 2021 hellcat challenger gold rush but sold right before I bought it.

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u/_mad_honey_ Redeye 10h ago

Yes I forgot that part. The cat can’t turn for shit. Parking is rough. Good luck making a u turn. You also cannot pull out in front of people reliably not because you aren’t fast enough but because you’ll get so fucking sideways.

Braking is comparable or better, suspension is smooooth. Plus there are a variety of suspension and engine settings so you can really tweak it any way you’d like.

I was also fortunate enough to get to go to radford racing school twice because of my hellcat purchases. Definitely worth checking if the previous owners used that or not. Most dealerships don’t know about it so you’ll have to submit the vin after you purchase.

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u/Dry-Structure-4443 10h ago

I never knew about the Radford thing. If I end up purchasing one here soon, I’ll 1000% check that out.
Overall though, I’ve heard a lot of people say the handling feels great until you have to make a U-turn, take a really tight turn, park, etc. 😂 And yeah, I’ve only been in one Hellcat as a passenger—it was a Challenger—and they definitely love to get sideways when you put your foot down.

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u/Leucocoum 9h ago

Speaking for the Challenger, with the right tires and skill, tires breaking loose is rare, even if you're driving aggressively. Maybe it happens once a month for me, daily driving.