Camaro SS vs Challenger RT vs Mustang GT Which Is The Best Ponycar?

Camaro SS vs Challenger RT vs Mustang GT Which Is The Best Ponycar?
Thirty-five years ago, the word Watergate was being re-Webstered from meaning a snazzy apartment building in Washington, D.C. to "a coverup investigation involving the White House, two reporters who don't look anything like Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, and a guy named 'Deep Throat.'"

The most popular show on TV was about a grump named Archie whose tattered easy chair would go on to occupy a place in the Smithsonian. Half of the current staff of Motor Trend hadn't even been born yet (yes, Angus, we're getting old).

That year, 1974, would also mark the final moment for decades in which America's streets would be prowled by all three current-gen versions of the most iconic-ever ponycars: the Chevy Camaro, the Dodge Challenger, and the Ford Mustang.


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inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/23/2009 4:48:45 PM
+1 Boost
This is a no brainer, The Camaro is the looker and performer. Now this is done, let's move it up a notch. Camaro SS vs. Genesis Track


PerformanceGuyPerformanceGuy - 3/23/2009 5:01:46 PM
0 Boost
The Camaro is the best looking one out of the 3 and seems to perform really well also. I am sure the Camaro and Genesis will be tested against each other soon.


SmokeEmSmokeEm - 3/23/2009 5:14:24 PM
-3 Boost
The Ford Mustang already beat the Genesis Coupe in a Motor Trend comparison, so the Camaro will just beat the Genesis even more.

Camaro >>>> Genesis Coupe
Mustang >> Genesis Coupe


DtrenzoDtrenzo - 3/23/2009 6:35:11 PM
0 Boost
both cars are nice My vote is for the Mustang GT also has the stronger company behind it. I like the camaro as well but wouldnt want to be the ginea pig for a first year production model. If you go with the SS better to wait for the next model year. Dont think you can go wrong with either.


bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 3/23/2009 10:27:22 PM
0 Boost
There all cool but by far the Ghallenger for me


B7FANB7FAN - 3/23/2009 4:49:19 PM
-1 Boost
well I have to say the Camaro is the best looking. I would think that the camaro would probably come in first following would be the Rustang and then the challenger. I love the almost all the old camaros and the new did not fall short of spectacular as far as the looks go. but we will see by next year.


Agent001Agent001 - 3/23/2009 5:01:19 PM
-16 Boost
Is there a NONE of the above choice? ;)

001


SmokeEmSmokeEm - 3/23/2009 5:11:10 PM
+14 Boost
Don't worry 001, there are plenty of BMW's are your local dealer for you to choose from. I am happy that Ford, Chevy, and Dodge have some healthy competition amongst themselves and that people have more choices in the marketplace.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/23/2009 5:46:00 PM
+7 Boost
No. Don't comment. Move on, ignore, go have a espresso enema, saki shot whatever.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 3/23/2009 6:13:17 PM
+5 Boost
Some prefer to buy rather than lease ;-)


Agent63Agent63 - 3/23/2009 5:54:41 PM
0 Boost
I love the Camaro looks over the Mustang GT. However the Saleen Mustang and Rousche 'Stangs are very nice as well. Their fairly affordable so why not just buy both! lol.


DtrenzoDtrenzo - 3/23/2009 6:36:59 PM
0 Boost
both cars are nice Mustang GT has my vote, has the stronger company behind it. I like the camaro as well but wouldnt want to be the ginea pig for a first year production model. If you go with the SS better to wait for the next model year. Both cars are neck and neck in performance, The all Glass roof on the Mustang is amazing. Cant go wrong with either car in the end


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/24/2009 12:08:32 PM
+4 Boost
Well the mind set of car buyers types are different. Not saying a Nissan GT-R owner won't purchase a Chevy Corvette or a Mustang, but for the most part, big V-8 coupes are nostalgic naturally, while Japanese cars use high tech to get the job done. On the other hand, German vehicles can be expensive and exclusive, thus the average younger sports car own couldn't possible own say a BMW M3 and tune it the way he/ she would like it. By the same token, a Camaro owner wouldn't take a R8 if you gave it to him because if doesn't appeal to his taste. Each market plays to a different type. Not saying one is better, because no matter how much stink you put on a pig, it is still a pig for some. Fancy doesn't equal better to some. BMW can put out a great sports sedan, but GM can put out a similar vehicle in performance for half the price. Not the same panache mind you. Different strokes.


M53RM53R - 3/24/2009 7:30:02 AM
-1 Boost
I would take the camaro. It looks more modern than the other 2.


veyron1001veyron1001 - 3/25/2009 12:11:35 AM
-1 Boost
Wow you must be retarded. All three of the cars are representing the past models in which fortunately went out of production. You know when a car company fails when they try to revive a 30 year old model that went out of production for a reason. People didnt want them.


bigmotovbigmotov - 3/24/2009 9:22:04 AM
+2 Boost
I'll take a 370Z.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/24/2009 11:30:23 AM
+2 Boost
But its NOT offered here! These pointless comments make no sense.


bigmotovbigmotov - 3/24/2009 3:02:23 PM
0 Boost
About as pointless as picking a car that isn't even out yet. My money is real, the 370Z is real.


blueshirts0819blueshirts0819 - 3/24/2009 9:53:03 AM
0 Boost
wow, more half-ass marginal sports cars by the big 3, still can't come up with a decent selling sedan for the masses. Well, more of my tax money going down the drain when they request for another handout. I wonder how long this camaro will last before Chevy fold or they realize this is another business failure.


0to600to60 - 3/24/2009 10:51:17 AM
-1 Boost
The malibu sells well. Also, the impala and a few others sell to the masses (mainly fleet but still). Its in the top 10 best sellers


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/24/2009 11:48:08 AM
+2 Boost
Wow with over 14,000 pre-orders I think the business plan for an marginal sports coupe is pretty good what do you guys think. Wow. What a brilliant and informative statement. Hum, Ford Mustang the best selling coupe on the market followed by the Challenger BEFORE the Camaro was released.

And about a sedan that in your own words blueshirts0819 "can't come up with a decent selling sedan for the masses" well the Chevy Malibu is selling and has won a number of awards (Car of the year etc), Cadillac CTS sedan, along with the Fusion and the new Fiesta that will arrive next year along with the new Taurus sedan to name a few, so I know ingorance is bliss, but be careful of what you say.


222max222max - 3/24/2009 10:19:30 AM
+1 Boost
I am glad to see the American Ponies have a fresh battle going on. There's still plenty of room in the world for American muscle.

I knew the Camaro would be top dog before I even got to page 2 of the article but what surprised me was how close the Mustang, with an over 100hp deficit and older underpinnings, comes to the Chevy. So it's not a KO in favor of the Camaro, more a TKO. I see a long healthy rivalry ahead. The Challenger has never moved me and it just seems too big and heavy to run with the Ford and The Chevy.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/24/2009 11:57:08 AM
+1 Boost
I'm hoping Dodge and Chevy get a clue and reduce the mass on their vehicles. We love these cars, but tech today is to plentiful to ignore the weight issue any longer. Next generation could use weight reduction not drastically, but incrementally. And stay with the advancement of the product as to not play catch-up. I can't say that I have all good things to say about domestic products, but I'm willing to give them a try and want to see them advance to make great products.


WhelanWhelan - 3/24/2009 11:22:22 AM
+1 Boost
How about we do the comparisons when ALL cars are on sales lots that I could go potentially drive and buy.


mini22mini22 - 3/24/2009 12:16:17 PM
+3 Boost
Well-Isn't this interesting. You would think that the Camaro and Challenger would just "cream" the Mustang with it's donky cart rear suspension. All I can say is thank god for donkey's. I'm not in love with rear of the Camaro and the front is ok. The side view is fabulous.Still for someone my age I like to be able to see out of a car.The 370 is nice looking,has great handling but an unrefined engine,the Challenger is a beautiful retro statement and fabulous crusier but not a handling machine,the Camaro looks cool and agressive but it's too difficult to see out of,too quiet,and the interior looks cheap.So the Mustang it is for me. True it's exterior styling is the weakest of the 3,however it's not bad by any means.Dark silver shows it up very nicely.It has archaic rear suspension but Ford has done a brilliant job in making this car handle. The interior quality seems better then the other 2 and you can really hear that V8 noise when you get on it. I did hear a runour that Ford was coming out with a 5.0 direct injection V8 for the 2011 model. I heard somthing like 400 HP with better gas mileage then it currently gets. Maybe that's worth waiting for.


blueshirts0819blueshirts0819 - 3/24/2009 2:20:32 PM
-1 Boost
Wow, 14,000??? wow, that's really going to save them. Another gimmick product which probably will phase out in 3 years. Try selling any of these three to europe and asia, yeah, like they want them.

I'll eat my words if GM and Chrysler can crawl out from this hole. The only company may survive is Ford. If it wasn't for my tax dollar and the government bailing them out (GM and Chrysler) they might have a chance by filing for chapter 11 and restructure their business plan.

Oh wait, inspirion7, who is asking money again?????


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/25/2009 2:22:06 AM
+1 Boost
blueshirt, you need to really be concern about AIG, Citcorp, Bank of America and Nancy Pallosi. That is where over $200 Billlion has been thrown down a pit. But read this first before burning:

TOKYO (AP) -- Toyota's financing unit is in talks with a Japanese government-backed bank on possible lending, the automaker said Tuesday, underlining the serious woes facing the car industry amid plunging global sales.

Toyota Motor Corp. said no details had been decided. Kyodo News and NHK TV reported earlier in the day, without identifying sources, that Toyota's auto loan unit, Toyota Financial Services, had asked for a 200 billion yen ($2 billion) government loan.

A spokesman for Toyota Financial Services said the talks with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation were among the various ways being studied to gain funding. The lender does 70 percent of its business in the U.S., where sales have been plunging and credit tightening.

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which started helping cash-strapped Japanese businesses last year as the global financial crisis unfolded, said it does not comment on individual company matters. Some companies have been struggling for cash ahead of the fiscal year end of March 31.

The Finance Ministry said Tuesday it will provide an additional $5 billion from its foreign reserves this month to the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, to make sure there is ample cash available for needy businesses. Tokyo has about $1 trillion in foreign reserves.


The Japanese auto industry may not be immune from the forces reshaping the auto industry after all. Three of Japan's largest automakers are expected to approach the Japanese government asking for financial assistance as soon as today.

Bloomberg reports, "Toyota, forecasting its first loss in 59 years, may ask Japan's government for 200 billion yen ($2 billion) in loans for its credit unit as private financing has become too expensive, public broadcaster NHK reported yesterday, without naming its source." Toyota , the world's largest automaker, suffered a 40 percent sales drop in February.

The company is already "in talks with a Japanese government-backed bank on possible lending," the AP reports, "underlining the serious woes facing the car industry amid plunging global sales. Toyota Motor Corp. said no details had been decided," but on the news, Japan's Nikkei index "flirted with 26-year lows."

The company is not alone, according to the Wall Street Journal. "Honda Motor Co. said it is seeking a government loan to help shore up funds at its U.S. operations, becoming the latest Japanese auto maker to ask for Tokyo's help in doing business abroad."

A separate Bloomberg report adds, "Mazda Motor Corp. is also considering a request for government loans, spokesman Toyota Tanaka said today."



blueshirts0819blueshirts0819 - 3/25/2009 2:21:26 PM
0 Boost
You sure know how to go off tangent talking about US auto industry. I care less about foreign government bailing out toyota or honda. I'm a american and I pay my taxes to america. If every few months I see my tax dollars going to some failing auto company I think I can voice my opinions on it where I know is money wasting pit.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/25/2009 8:57:40 PM
0 Boost
Your question was about who is asking for money, not from who just who was in trouble. I made my point.


OblivObliv - 3/25/2009 7:36:38 PM
+1 Boost
It would be the 2010 Mustang for me. Its actually the best handling of the bunch with its "donkey cart" suspension. Easily the best interior, and within a couple tenths in the quarter from the 100+hp more SS camaro. I love how it stops quicker than the brembo equipped SS with just upgraded pads with the track pack.

That and I dont think ill ever warm up to the Camaros exterior. It just looks too goofy.

The challenger looks nice, but its seriously lacking performance for the price theyre asking for them.


mini22mini22 - 3/25/2009 7:50:49 PM
+3 Boost
blueshirts-Your absolutely correct. But I would then assume that you were not for any bailout of banks or any other large corporations,such as AIG,etc.It is a totally legitimate gripe to say that for many years the big 3 made lousy cars with cheap interiors,unsophisticated mechanicals such as suspension and engines(eg-GM diesels and fuel cut off engines 20yrs ago)with questionable reliablility.I remember the as recent as 7 or 8 years ago the claims against the Ford Crown Vic with it's fuel tank at the back end of the car being only protected by the rear bumper. There were so many cases of a rear end collisions causing a fire and or explosion.Also reports of engine fires in Ford trucks due to placement of wires etc.I would have to say that at least in the case of GM and Ford they have made great strides in the past 5 to 6 yrs in putting out better products that are finally class competative with foreign competition.2nd I'm a believer in manufactoring in this country as a way to improve our economy. The US auto industry is a very large chunk of the manufactoring in this country if not 75% of it.Because of the fact that I am a car enthusiast and because Ford and GM make better vehicles now they should be given a chance. Their immediate financial problems have to do with the banks not lending or extending credit to most of the US population,not the lack of good product.Chrysler is in a different ball of wax. They were decimated by poor management of Daimler Benz over the last 8 or 9 yrs. I guess I feel they got a bum rap.I hope the Fiat deal goes through primarily because I've owned 3 Alfa's and I love Italian car styling. I would love to see the Alfa Mito and Fiat 500 sold on US soil.In addition n to these 3 vehicles,the new Ford Taurus,the new Buick,Lincln MKZ,Lincoln MKS,Ford Fusion,Chrysler 300,Dodge Charger,the upcoming Ford Focus,Ford Fiesta,Chevy Malibu,Cadilac CTS,and upcoming coupe and wagon as well as future Chrysler replacements are all vehicles that I find appealing and would like to see their continued sales in this country.We should not out source everything to foreign companies or out source so much of our labor. Further many have said it might be more expensive for the US government to absorb the legacy costs in a GM/Chrysler bankruptsy then what has been paid out now.To be honest I'm more concerned about the banks not lending money and requiring 700 plus fico scores instead of 620 where the majority of the American public qualify for.I own an 06 Mini Cooper S. When my finances and debt improve I would love to swing for a Mustang GT with the track pack. It would be my first American car in 20 yrs.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 3/25/2009 9:04:02 PM
+1 Boost
mini22, I couldn't have said it better myself. Believe you me, if foreign manufactures could qualify for tarp money, they would have gotten some by now. They to would be on the taxpayers dime.


phantom330phantom330 - 3/26/2009 11:17:27 AM
+1 Boost
people still actually care about the Mustang? Looks so old and tired......that would be my last pick, regardless of performance.


carscarscarscars - 5/21/2009 11:48:32 PM
+1 Boost
The Mustang GT styling is great its just been aroung a little longer and people are used to seeing them more, but objectivly it looks just as good as the other two cars in this comparison.It's faster than the Dodge and almost as fast as the Camaro even with 100 less hp.The handling is as good if not better than the Camaro in most situations.The interior is miles ahead in styling and materials than the other two cars.Last but not least it will be getting the new v8 with 400 hp for 2011 and since its lighter than the others it will smoke em.There really is no comparison.


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