2010 Dodge Charger vs 2010 Chevy Impala
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2010 Dodge Charger
Although Dodge has used the Charger name on many vehicles over the past few decades, the most modern version was rolled out in 2006 as a modern, large, and powerful rear-wheel-drive sedan. The SXT and R/T models can even be had with an all-wheel-drive system for better traction in low-grip situations. The Charger shares its platform, and thus many parts, with the Chrysler 300 and rolls out of the same Brampton, Ontario assembly facility in Canada. The resemblance between the two vehicles can easily be seen in the boxy proportions and high belt line. Dodge quietly unveiled an updated Charger for the 2009 model year. While the SXT model remains relatively unchanged, the R/T trim level received a rather significant performance bump, while the SE has been downrated. The 2010 model is largely a carryover, with only a few minor changes.
Driving the Charger
The Charger handles nicely and accelerates even better, with the Dodge Charger SRT8 offering sub-14-second quarter-mile times and a top speed of over 150 mph. This is a vehicle that not only looks good, but has true muscle-car-like V-8 performance. The Dodge Charger sits on top of a chassis that was developed when Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz were still together, and it serves quite well on the Charger.
2010 Charger Exterior Features
The Charger gets a more noticeable and unique design than many sedans. With its bold crossbar front end and a short deck. There are minimal wheel flares, and a long bodyside crease meets another crease at the rear doors. The antenna has been moved to the rear window and taillamps include recessed circle cutouts. Overall, the Dodge Charger is a boldly designed full-size four-door sedan which can be factory equipped from mild to wild to suit virtually any buyers needs or desires.
Cabin Space for the Charger
The Charger has a decent amount of cargo space in the trunk, and there are available entertainment features on the Charger to make it into a better family vehicle. The 2010 Dodge Charger comes well equipped, featuring standard air conditioning, traction and stability control with anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist, and a tilt/telescoping steering column. An AM/FM stereo is also standard, as well as a CD player and auxiliary iPod jack. It holds five passengers in its front bucket seats and rear bench. Adding to its versatility, a 60/40-split folding rear seat is standard. The interior features a two-tone design that's similar to the one found in the Chrysler 300. It includes silver trim pieces on the cupholders, doors and center stack — formerly found only on higher-end models — as standard. There are also optional standard front cupholders with LEDs, plus map-pocket lighting.
V8 Power and More
The 2010 Charger offers a range of power with its two V-6s and a V-8. The high performing SRT8 takes it to a whole other level with its 425 hp. The next-generation 5.7-liter Hemi engine now has variable valve timing and an expanded multi-displacement system that allows the car to operate on four cylinders when less power is needed. The SRT8 gets its own Hemi V-8, Brembo brakes and a race-bred suspension. An available option includes the R/T package. Road/Track option package includes a revised steering gear, load-leveling shock absorbers and a retuned suspension. The SE Charger gets a 178-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 with 190 pounds-feet of torque, The SXT gets a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 pounds-feet of torque , The R/T is powered by a 370-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with, 398 pounds-feet of torque, and the high performing SRT8 gets a whopping 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 with 420 pounds-feet of torque. The SE and SXT RW Chargers come with four-speed automatic transmission, the SXT AWD, R/T, and SRT8 drive with a five-speed automatic transmission.
2010 Chevrolet Impala
The Impala is Chevy’s trademark large, front-wheel-drive sedan. It offers a very roomy interior and good ride at an affordable price. However, the Impala is not as refined as some drivers desire, unique styling isn’t the 2010 Chevrolet Impala’s strong point. If passenger and driver comfort os a priority, the Imapala’s passenger cabin is very accomodating with a configuration that’s more useful than that of many other sedans. The backseat has ample headroom and legroom, along with a flip-and-fold rear seat that allows access to a covered storage area.
Exterior of the Impala
The 2010 Impala has clean lines and a typical sedan-like shape. It is built on a 110.5-inch wheelbase, and is 200.4 inches long overall, 72.9 inches wide and 58.7 inches tall. The Impala is longer than many of its competitors, but narrower than some. The LS, LT and LTZ are distinguished by exterior trim but share one front end design,
2010 Chevy Impala Cabin
The unique flip-and-fold rear-seat cushions folds down to create a pass-through into the trunk. The forward-flipping rear seat cushions reveal a storage tub underneath that add to the Impala’s utility. A generous pass-through from the trunk can be created by flipping the seat bottoms forward and the seat backs flat.GM's OnStar communication system is standard, and an available Directions and Connections service gives audio turn-by-turn directions from an OnStar operator. Side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners for the front seats are standard. Latch child-seat anchors are found in all second-row seating positions. The back seat is roomy and comfortable for two adults or three kids. 
Driving the Impala
The 2010 Impala offers a capable 3.5-liter V-6 and a 3.9-liter V-6. Both can be had in flex-fuel versions that can run on ethanol-based E85. The 3.5-liter V-6 gets 207-hp, with 215 pounds-feet of torque, and the 3.9-liter V-6 gets 230-hp, with 238 pounds-feet of torque. The 3.5- and 3.9-liter V-6 engines powering the standard Impala are smooth when cruising but coarse under acceleration. Both engines provide enough authority for most buyers' needs, but the 3.9-liter offers noticeably more torque off the line, which may be more useful with a full load. The Impala's four-wheel disc brake system (vented in front, solid in rear) has been designed for quieter operation, longer pad life, and more resistance to brake pulsation.
Final Thoughts
The 2010 Dodge Charger gets a fuel economy of 13 – 18 mpg for city and 19 – 26 mpg on the highway. Cost wise it starts and ranges slightly higher than the Impala, with a starting MSRP of $24,835 – $38,970. The Impala gets an EPA Fuel Economy of 17 – 18 for the city and 27 – 29 mpg for the highway. It has a starting MSRP of $23,890 – $29,630. The Impala’s best aspects are its interior space, its adept transmission, and good gas mileage. While the Charger offers brash looks,V-8 performance (SRT8), transmission refinement in the SRT8, comfortable sport seats, and a legacy of the muscle cars of the past. The Dodge Charger and the Chevy Impala are capable, well powered, and well behaved sedans. The both have the versatility of a family vehicle, while also having plenty of style and zip as a daily commuter. The Charger’s big advantage over the Impala is its availability of a V8 Hemi powertrain, while the Impala gets better mileage and is less expensive. The bottom line? The 2010 Dodge Charger sedan retains its stylish appeal for muscle-car enthusiasts—and the performance to match – The Impala is a comfortable sedan with lots of space at a reasonable price, it is practical but not exciting.
