Are Trackhawks or Hellcats Faster? This Gamers‘ Guide Has The Answer

As an avid gamer and driving enthusiast, few things get my heart racing faster than American performance cars and SUVs. Vehicles like the Dodge Challenger/Charger SRT Hellcat and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk deliver absolutely bonkers speed wrapped in aggressive muscular designs. These literal "Hellcats" and "Demons" conjure up feelings of unbridled power that appeal directly to our gaming senses and instincts.

But when it comes down to it…which one is actually faster?!

I decided to dig into the specs, metrics, and testing data to find out. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide breaking down exactly how the Trackhawk and Hellcat models stack up:

Introducing the Contenders

First, a quick overview of these beasts:

Hellcat Family – Originating in 2015, the "Hellcat" badge signifies the ultimate performance versions of Dodge‘s Challenger coupe and Charger sedan. They pack a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 producing 707 hp and 650 lb-ft torque, mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. Models like the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody further upped the power to 797 horses.

Trackhawk – Debuting for 2018, the Trackhawk transformed Jeep‘s Grand Cherokee SUV into a hyper-performance vehicle. It packs the same 707 hp Hellcat V8 engine, but sends the power to all four wheels via an upgraded AWD system designed to handle its brutal acceleration. Modest exterior tweaks like a lowered ride height and rear seat delete hint that this family hauler means business.

Clearly both vehicles possess ludicrous muscle car pedigrees and credentials. But which one is truly the King of Speed? Let‘s examine the data and metrics to find out!

Performance and Specs Comparison

While sharing the same 707 hp engine, the Trackhawk and Hellcats exhibit key performance differences thanks to their configurations:

(Highest values in bold)

Analyzing the numbers shows that while the Hellcats achieve a higher top speed and quarter mile trap speed thanks to their lighter RWD configuration, the Trackhawk bests or matches them in every other performance statistic.

Crucially, the Trackhawk‘s 3.5 seconds 0-60 time is 0.1 seconds quicker than the Hellcat‘s 3.6 seconds. This demonstrates the AWD systems gives it better real-world acceleration and traction off the line. This holds true for any standing start street racing or stop light encounters.

Additionally, the Trackhawk‘s superior power-to-weight ratio of 7.58 lb/hp vs 6.29 highlights how efficiently it puts down the V8‘s power relative to its heft.

Independent Performance Testing

Beyond factory specs, independent testing and measurements from outlets like Car & Driver, Motortrend and more provide additional proof of which model is truly the fastest in head-to-head matchups:

The standalone testing confirms the Trackhawk as overall faster in acceleration metrics thanks to its traction advantage – edging the Hellcat in both 0-60 mph and 0-100 mph runs. It also posts faster lap times and braking distances.

The Hellcat only retains its quarter mile advantage in trap speed due to its RWD weight savings and grip limitation. But virtually every other measured statistic goes to the Trackhawk!

Real World Performance – Why AWD Rules

While the spec and dyno comparisons overwhelmingly favor the Trackhawk, its key real world performance advantage comes from the AWD system providing greater traction and grip. As any gamer knows, actually putting down big power can prove challenging!

Having four wheels delivering torque allows the Trackhawk to launch with minimum wheel spin while retaining rock solid stability. This lets it fully leverage all 707 horses when accelerating from any street stop or taking a corner at speed. Hellcat drivers know all too well how their rear tires can go up in smoke if they‘re not careful with the loud pedal!

And while the Hellcat may hit higher speeds in ideal conditions, send it down a wet road, gravel driveway, or snow covered pass and watch how quickly those tables turn! In variable real world situations, the Trackhawk‘s heavy-duty AWD platform gives it a decisive performance edge to go along with its bruising acceleration metrics.

Aftermarket Tuning Potential

Of course one of the first things many gamers may consider is how well these vehicles can be upgraded and customized to unlock even greater performance levels!

Thankfully both models have proven to be tuning and modification powerhouses:

Hellcat

• Upgrade exhaust, cold air intakes, tunes = 850+ hp
• High flow superchargers take things to 4 digit territory
• 1,500+ horsepower Hellcats run sub 10 second quarter miles

Trackhawk

• Same bolt-ons and tunes = 850+ hp
• Upgraded superchargers deliver 1,000+ hp
• Quarter mile times dip well into the 10s

So while the Hellcat ultimately holds the potential for more insane peak output numbers, even four-figure horsepower Trackhawks can challenge them thanks to traction. After all, 1000 hp means nothing if you can‘t put it down!

Conclusion – The Trackhawk Reigns Supreme

After crunching all the data points, performance metrics, and real world considerations, I can conclusively say the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is ultimately the faster vehicle compared to the Dodge Challenger/Charger Hellcats in every category besides top speed bragging rights.

The Trackhawk‘s brutal acceleration, braking, handling, and traction provided by its AWD system gives it decisive performance advantages for real world driving. Beating the Hellcat off the line while providing increased grip and control in cornering means this practical SUV truly earns its place as the King of Speed.

Of course, with enough aftermarket upgrading, both vehicles can be tuned to ludicrous levels for straight line speed. But even then I‘d argue the increased difficulty of delivering 1,000+ hp through just the Hellcat‘s rear wheels gives the more sure-footed Trackhawk an edge.

So while the Hellcats may look flashier and still claim the highest top speed crown, the Trackhawk ultimately has their number where it matters most – usable performance under power! This gamer gives a big thumbs up to Jeep for delivering an SUV that can embarass supercars…and keep up with the family errands!