Would You Swap a Dodge Challenger for a Hyundai Genesis Coupe?

This question was posted on a Hyundai Genesis Coupe Facebook page: "Would you accept a 2010 Dodge Challenger in exchange for a 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe?" The question prompted a lot of internal debate on the page and provoked some research to see if the trade might make sense.

Here's the exact question posted. Because it's a closed Facebook page, I'm not going to share his identity but I will present the entire text of his post as written: "ssome guy is willing to trade his 2010 challenger for my 2010 genesis coupe.. hmmm.. what are your thoughts? both cars are stock, other than some exterior body mods.. my car is slightly faster too but not by alot. i have 55k on my genny and he has 67k on his. opinions????!!"

Based on his posting – and from what others said – it would appear because his Genesis Coupe is faster he's driving the 3.8-liter V6. The Dodge Challenger would also appear to be a V6, too. A side-by-side comparison explains why this isn't necessarily an easy question (unless you're a Hyundai Genesis coupe fan).

The Dodge Charger V6 is rated at 250 horsepower from its V6 engine and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8-liter V6 Hyundai Genesis is rated at 306 horsepower. So, in the horsepower race the winner is the V6 Hyundai Genesis.

But for performance, you also need good torque, right? The Dodge Charger has 250 lb. ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm. The Hyundai Genesis is rated at 266 lb. ft. @ 4,700 rpm. So, the edge in torque also goes to the Hyundai Genesis.

There also has to be some consideration for weight to power ratio, too. The Dodge Challenger's curb weight is 3720 lbs. The Genesis is slimmer at 3389 lbs. Again, the edge goes to the Hyundai Genesis.

Edmunds.com gives the Hyundai Genesis a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. The Dodge Challenger's time was 8.0 seconds, according to Edmunds. C'mon, the Genesis blows the Challenger out of the water in this comparison.

Let's us turn to Edmunds for a value comparison. As cited above, the Challenger has 67,000 miles on it. I'm going to assume both have some modifications on them and will put them in clean condition for the sake of comparison with 18-inch wheels. The Dodge Charger has a private party value of $14,991. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a private party value of $15,069. At less than $100 difference I'm going to call that one a tie.

And, most gearheads don't like this as a source of hot car comparisons, but I also turned to Consumer Reports to see what it had to say. The Hyundai Genesis gets half of a black circle, which is not good. Consumer Reports says the 2010 model has expected problems with the transmission (minor) and the electrical system. Neither portend well. The 2010 Dodge Challenger doesn't fare any better and also gets half of a black circle. Consumer Reports says you can expect problems with the drive system and engine (minor) as well as problems with the fuel system. In this case, neither car is a winner.

But the Hyundai Genesis does get the edge somewhat because it would still be under warranty. If problems arise with items covered under the 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty (and even for a short while the 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty), the Hyundai is covered while the Challenger is long past its protection period.

We're going to have to agree with what this one poster said on the Genesis Coupe FB page: "A v6 Challenger isn't better than anything. Mediocre performance, mediocre build quality, uninspiring body language. It's like any pony car, they lose all the muscle and the majority of their sportiness once you step down from the premium trim levels, and whatever money you sink into them to get it back is better spent elsewhere."

We also like this humorous take on the issue from another poster. "That's how it starts ... First a challenger... Then a yellow vette... Before you know it you wake up alone rummaging through rogaine and Viagra bottles to check your phone that reads 0 missed calls."

What do you think? Would you make a straight-up trade for a 2010 Dodge Challenger if you drove a 2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8-liter V6? Share your comments below.

Keith Griffin has been writing continuously about new cars since 2002. He used to be the guide to used cars at former About.com as well as a contributor to The Boston Globe and Automotive Traveler. He is the founder and president of The Internet Car and Truck of the Year, where "Internet Pros and Average Joes" pick the car and truck of the year. Currently, Keith is the managing editor for American Business Media. Follow Keith at @indepthauto on Twitter.