Mustang or Camaro?

[BlackZ28]

Camaro takes my vote.

 

[niky]

Between the two, and what's available now, the choice of the Camaro is a no-brainer. The extra power, better suspension, and V8-like performance makes it a solid choice when in LT or LT/RS trim. Furthermore, the fuel economy isn't too bad, and you can grab it with a proper six-speed manual. But, as someone noted, the new V6 is coming soon for the Mustang... And that will likely make things very interesting. A Pony-Pack V6 Mustang is not a bad option, but in its current form, I wouldn't exactly call it comparable to the Camaro on most levels.

Problem is, for about the same price as a nicely equipped LT1/RS Camaro V6, you're only a couple hundred dollars from being able to get a Mustang GT. If we're doing that comparison, the Mustang is the choice to make.

Also note that the current Mustang line-up has suspension tuning upgrades from top to bottom... making them drive much better than same-spec models from the previous model year.

 

[LSX]

Niky, the reason why I said they were "Pony cars" is because that's just what they are, or at least that's what I think they are.

Some older models can qualify as a Muscle car, I guess because of available big block motors. But that won't hold true today, because that's not an option anymore.

Sorry for being a nitpicker...


Wiki

*Pony car is an American class of automobile launched and inspired by the Ford Mustang in 1964.[1] The term describes an affordable, compact, highly styled car with a sporty or performance-oriented image. "It was small by Detroit standards, with sporty styling... and the rear wheels were driven by an engine — ideally a big V8 — mounted up front..." [2] Pony cars were "relatively small, relatively light and often absurdly powerful".*

The requirements were therefore set

* Attractive, sporty styling
* Affordable base price
* Extensive options, including six-cylinder and V8 engines
* Aggressive, youth-oriented marketing and advertising.

While most of the pony cars offered more powerful engines and performance packages, enough to qualify some into muscle car territory, a substantial number were sold with six-cylinder engines or ordinary V8s. For the most part, the high-performance models saw limited sales and were largely limited to drag racing, road racing, or racing homologation purposes.


I guess it's not really that important, I just found that definition, which was in line with what I was thinking is all. It's only a title, either of which, is plenty cool.
I still think they are Pony's though.

Just to not be completely off topic, I still think the '10 Mustang is the better buy. With the upcoming engine package, even more so.

 

[Paulie]

No, but it does make them secretary's cars.

No it doesn't. In fact, the V6 model of the Camaro would make a better track car than the V8 model if you boosted the power and did the necessary mods to make it track-able (as you would need to with any road car), because they weigh less and the weight comes straight off the front axle. Audi S4s are secretary's cars, unless you're living in the '60s and early '70s.

Somebody just had to bring it up...

The classic definition of a muscle car is a small car with a big engine.

The Mustang GT is a... well... relatively small car with a honking big engine.

If you want to go by the nitpicker's definition, where muscle exclusively equals midsizers... well.. the Mustang and Camaro can be considered midsized, too, in terms of footprint.

Muscle is muscle is muscle. If it's got a big engine, is relatively cheap, and goes down the quarter mile in a non-embarrassing way, it's muscle.

http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/general/musclecars-definition.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_car

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscle car

Honestly... it's almost as bad as the "sportscar" argument...

I agree.

Im at the library reading thr road and track magazine from october 2009 and it says the mustang gt is the best followed by the challenger and then the camaro in that order.

The difference between Camaro and Mustang is debatable, but no way does the Dodge Challenger top either of them in any real way.

 

[niky]

Boot-ay? It's got the biggest of the lot...

Sorry for being a nitpicker...

No problem... it's just that every time I hear something like this, it brings to mind the incredibly fractured nature of the enthusiast scene...

"That's not a real muscle car... (goes on to explain how some minor technical detail disqualifies it)"

"That's not a real Hot Rod... it's got billet wheels"

"That's not a real sportscar... it's (take your pick: FWD/4-door/slow/not-a-roadster/etcetera)"

"Not a supercar... it's got turbos (that's a weird one)"

"Pushrods suck"

"Live-axles suck"

"IRS can't take drag launches"

"Rice!"

"Stocker!"




Can't we all just... y'know... get along?

 

[Jim Prower]

No, because personal pride, need to compensate, etc is gonna get in the way.

 

[YSSMAN]

Also note that the current Mustang line-up has suspension tuning upgrades from top to bottom... making them drive much better than same-spec models from the previous model year.

Oh yes. The "Track Pack" available on the GT makes it an incredible vehicle given the rear suspension it must deal with. Although I am unaware of anything similar that they offer on the current V6 model for 2010. But, it wouldn't surprise me if they offered something similar for the new V6 version given its increased sporting potential.

Having to spend my own money, despite my usual preference for the Bowtie models, the proposal of a Track Pack-equipped GT is an interesting one. The only problem Ford has is that they don't offer the car in the proper green color that I want.

 

[niky]

"Bullitt" Highland Green not to your tastes? Or is it not available on the 2010 model?

 

[YSSMAN]

The Bullitt died in 2009, as I recall. Ford has made it a point not to offer a reasonable dark green color since the 2005 model debuted. Instead, they offer what can only be compared to pea soup, or perhaps vomit green. Sure, I love the new Daytona Blue, and their whatchamacallit Yellow is pretty sweet, but they need to have a dark green of some kind. It doesn't have to be Highland Green, but something that isn't totally ridiculous.

 

[mustangGT90210]

Legend Lime (the color from '05) is ugly in my eyes uke:

 

[Tornado]

No it doesn't. In fact, the V6 model of the Camaro would make a better track car than the V8 model if you boosted the power and did the necessary mods to make it track-able (as you would need to with any road car), because they weigh less and the weight comes straight off the front axle.

Is it a muscle car? Yes. (quiet LSX ) Does it have a honkin' V8 engine of some sort? No. Ergo: Secretary's car (Mustang SVO being the exception that proves the rule). Particularly when in convertible form. 60's and 70's stereotypes largely still apply to these cars because they are largely marketed the same way (and to the same demographic) as they were from back then. The Camaro/Challenger (Camaro in particular) obviously less so than the Mustang, but the idea remains the same.


It really doesn't matter which one would make a better track car, or which one has better weight distribution or any of that, because both of those measurements are completely missing the point. 4th gen V6 Camaros are usually faster than many 3rd gen V8 models are, and can themselves be made to go fast very easily (being 3800s and all), but no one clamours for them either. The stereotype is sound because the V6 models of these cars lack one of the largest (if not the largest) appeal of the genre in general.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

No, my dad is either getting black, grey or blue.

 

[Shadow Wulf 2k]

There's so much misinformation in here my head is spinning...

If you're going to get a V6 Pony car, you might as well get a used '05-'09 V6 Mustang.
The engine is outdated but reliable. It's good if you're not looking for big HP numbers.
A 4.0 V6 powered 'Stang really wakes up with an intake & tune, auto tranny's can be tuned to shift really well.
Personally I think the '05-'09s look the best, especially the Pony Package V6's.

A used GT in those years isn't too expensive, so keep that in mind.

Ford's Mustang drivetrain lineup is due to change for 2011 M.Y. (Basically, starting early 2010)
~300 HP Duratec 37 (3.7L 4v V6)
~400 HP "Coyote" (5.0L 4v V8)
6-speed manual and automatics on both V6 & V8 models.

So if you want to buy new, and can wait a bit, hold out for 2011 model year and see what's offered.

As for the Camaro... meh, it's heavy, but the LS3/L99 is a solid performance engine. Doesn't handle as well as the Mustang (despite the Mustang's solid axle, lol)

 

[JCE]

Something everyone seems to forget, the S197 V6's with the 5spd aren't exactly slow. Infact look for 0-60mph in 6.5s with a manual (and 6.8s with an auto). They are quick even with a rubbish engine. Why? Weight and a rear suspension that loves to drag race. You can most certainly get the tail out and do some other shenanigans if you so desire since it is all but proven that even with an LRA it still handles better than the IRS 5th gen Camaro around the twisties.

 

[Spencer]

I hate how people say the Camaro is going to kick a Mustangs ass because the Camaro has IRS. GM is doing the same crap they did with my 82 z28... too low of a roofline for someone like me at 6'4 and single piston brakes on a 300 HP car? Come on. Even though I dislike the new mustang design the camaro is still behind the mustang.

I've been waiting for someone to enter a Camaro SS in my class so I can put that IRS vs. LRA argument to bed.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, anyone who can read reviews and understand numbers will see that the 2010 Mustang will hold its own against the Camaro with its updated rear suspension, regardless of setup. But, when there is still a preferred and otherwise unflappable setup made available, the option given by the Camaro is a compelling one. Especially when prices are so similar.

 

[Spencer]

Yea Ford needs to EcoBoost the Mustang pronto and start upping the horse power on the Mustang

 

[Paulie]

Is it a muscle car? Yes. (quiet LSX ) Does it have a honkin' V8 engine of some sort? No. Ergo: Secretary's car (Mustang SVO being the exception that proves the rule). Particularly when in convertible form. 60's and 70's stereotypes largely still apply to these cars because they are largely marketed the same way (and to the same demographic) as they were from back then. The Camaro/Challenger (Camaro in particular) obviously less so than the Mustang, but the idea remains the same.


It really doesn't matter which one would make a better track car, or which one has better weight distribution or any of that, because both of those measurements are completely missing the point. 4th gen V6 Camaros are usually faster than many 3rd gen V8 models are, and can themselves be made to go fast very easily (being 3800s and all), but no one clamours for them either. The stereotype is sound because the V6 models of these cars lack one of the largest (if not the largest) appeal of the genre in general.

Might be an Aussie thing then, what I see is a brilliant car with none of the home market's associated stereotypes.

There's so much misinformation in here my head is spinning...

If you're going to get a V6 Pony car, you might as well get a used '05-'09 V6 Mustang.
The engine is outdated but reliable. It's good if you're not looking for big HP numbers.
A 4.0 V6 powered 'Stang really wakes up with an intake & tune, auto tranny's can be tuned to shift really well.
Personally I think the '05-'09s look the best, especially the Pony Package V6's.

A used GT in those years isn't too expensive, so keep that in mind.

Ford's Mustang drivetrain lineup is due to change for 2011 M.Y. (Basically, starting early 2010)
~300 HP Duratec 37 (3.7L 4v V6)
~400 HP "Coyote" (5.0L 4v V8)
6-speed manual and automatics on both V6 & V8 models.

So if you want to buy new, and can wait a bit, hold out for 2011 model year and see what's offered.

As for the Camaro... meh, it's heavy, but the LS3/L99 is a solid performance engine. Doesn't handle as well as the Mustang (despite the Mustang's solid axle, lol)

What mis-information? All you've done is re-state what most of us have been saying.

 

[Murcie_LP640]

To be quite frank, I wouldn't take either of them. They're both stylish, they both have quite a lot of power, but GM are idiots for putting in something that should have been put into the 'Maro years ago, IRS, and Ford are idiots for sticking with the LRA setup.

And I just have to ask, when is someone gonna get that Falcon export ready? Looks like the USA needs the F6 Typhoon, and soon. Nothing like Boss 315-shaming turbocharged goodness I say.

 

[Shadow Wulf 2k]

What mis-information? All you've done is re-state what most of us have been saying.

You've misunderstood. The information I did post was for the OP.

The misinformation was refering to other stuff posted in here. I didn't correct any of the stuff that was wrong because I didn't have time to quote everything and correct it.

 

[Paulie]

You've misunderstood. The information I did post was for the OP.

The misinformation was refering to other stuff posted in here. I didn't correct any of the stuff that was wrong because I didn't have time to quote everything and correct it.

Again, what mis-information, all the info you gave was already given by other members, and not much different has been stated.

 

[Spec M]

My dad wants a muscle car and he can't really decide between a 2010 or 2008 V6 Mustang or a V6 Camaro. My dad told me that he used to stare at the silver horse of a Mustang whenever he saw one and it was his dream car. But, now he wants to see which one is more practical, better bang for the buck and better in the tough, salty Canadian snow.

The Camaro definately has more of a cool factor here. I'm not sure if the appeal is the same in Canada (though the border is 20mins away from here) but the V6 Mustang is classified as the 'girl car'. The Camaro was more of a big hit, or instant classic here in the Motor City (Detroit). I foresee the Camaro keeping its value a lot longer than the Ford. But then again the GT500 prices have depreciated into the $20,000s so for about the same price range dad can pick either an instant classic or a Ford with supercar power straight from the factory.

 

[suvalle55]

I would stick to the camaro because of its faster accelaration even though it may be heavy or not so good handling, why would you care its not like you are going to take turns at high speeds or even race it on a race track.