Tale of the tape
The matchup
This matchup pits a purpose-built drag missile against an everyday supercar. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is engineered for straight-line speed, while the Honda NSX offers a blend of performance and practicality. Each car represents a different philosophy in performance, making this race particularly intriguing.
Off the line
The Demon 170’s RWD setup and massive torque delivery mean it should launch like a bat out of hell, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 1.9 seconds. In contrast, the NSX's AWD system provides excellent grip but is slower off the line at 3.0 seconds. Expect the Demon to get the holeshot and establish a commanding lead early.
The back half
With a staggering power-to-weight ratio, the Demon 170 will likely stretch its lead down the quarter-mile. It’s built for top-end performance, with gearing that maximises its power. The NSX, while capable, will struggle to close the gap as the Demon continues to pull ahead.
The x-factor
Driver skill could play a role, especially with the Demon’s raw power requiring finesse to harness effectively. Track conditions and weather also come into play; a hot day could affect the NSX’s hybrid system. Battery state in the NSX might influence its performance, particularly in a drag setting.
Check out the embedded video to see how these two heavyweights fare against each other on the strip.
Questions from the fence line
Which is faster in a drag race?
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is faster in a drag race, boasting a quarter mile time of 8.9 seconds compared to the Honda NSX's 11.1 seconds.
What are the horsepower figures?
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 produces 757 kW, while the Honda NSX delivers 427 kW.
How do they compare in terms of weight?
The weight difference is significant, with the Demon 170 being a purpose-built drag car, while the NSX is designed for daily usability with hybrid technology.