While electric crossovers continue to amaze with their high horsepower and performance figures, gas-powered SUVs with huge, monstrous V8 engines are also quite fast. A new Throttle House video pits two powerful petrol-powered people carriers against each other, marching the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat against the Cadillac Escalade-V in a series of drag races.
Dodge’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine powers the Durango Hellcat. It produces 710 horsepower (522 kilowatts) and 645 pound-feet (875 Newton-meters) of torque. However, all that power had to displace 5,710 pounds (2,590 kilograms), which isn’t as much as the Escalade-V. The Cadillac weighs 6,217 lbs (2,820 kg) and has horsepower with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 hiding under the hood. It makes more torque, though. This engine produces 682 hp (508 kW) and 653 lb-ft (885 Nm) of torque.
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The Dodge’s lighter curb weight and extra power were big advantages in the first race. The Durango got a sizeable jump off the starting line in front of the Escalade, and it was an advantage that Cadillac couldn’t reach before the two cars crossed the finish line. The Cadillac’s lack of power and extra weight slows it down. The second rolling race was closer than the first, but Dodge still drifted away from Cadillac right at the start. Escalade couldn’t keep up with Durango.
The final race between the two seemed even. Dodge took the handicap by bringing in an additional five grown adults in hopes of giving Cadillac a chance. It didn’t work out, with Escalade-V unable to win in the final race. The Cadillac remained solid in the Dodge rearview mirror throughout the battle.
High-powered SUVs are becoming commonplace now that this segment is more popular than ever with customers. Cars producing 500, 600, and 700 horsepower are more abundant than ever, giving customers a wide range of options. The Dodge may not be as luxurious as a Cadillac or packed with the same level of amenities and technology, but the Dodge is also much cheaper. It’s also faster in drag racing, if that’s an important feature.
