July 2009 C&D: Mustang 209 pts, Camaro SS 193, Challenger SRT8 190

[mkaresh]

Just got the July 2009 print version of Car & Driver. (Put a summary of below in "review compilation.")

Update: found review online

Mustang 1st -- 209 pts -- lighter and tighter in every way, good visibility, engine sound

Camaro SS 2nd -- 193 pts -- like acceleration and grip, inventive interior; dislike angry appearance, tiny, trunk, hard seats, and "nose-deep-in-a-hole feeling" (high beltline)

Challenger R/T (correction, not the SRT8 as I originally posted) 3rd -- 190 pts -- too heavy, awful tires

The Camaro was only a tenth quickere to 60, 4.8 vs. 4.9. In the "street start," it was 0.3 quicker, 5.2 vs. 5.5.

Scoring gave one-point edges to the Mustang in handing and steering feel, and 24 to 21 in "fun to drive."

Even in "gotta have it," which they usually use to tilt the outcome, the Mustang was given an extra point. Is there stronger public demand for the revised Mustang than for the new Camaro?

On the Mustang's steering: "it's fast, direct, and though still a bit isolated, far more naturally weighted than that of the other two." I've personally felt that steering is GM's weak point for at least a decade, but they have been getting better.

In the same issue, they also place the Corvette fourth (and last) behind the Audi TTS, BMW Z4, and Porsche Boxster S, calling it "a sledgehammer among ice picks." Apparently they're throwing no bones to GM this month.

Just remember: the car you like the best is the best car for you, what reviewers think should just provide guidelines for you own test drive...

[PQ]

Damnit! My car is in transit and now, after reading C&D reweiw, I am canceling.

[pruettfan]

It is always amazing how the writers for magazines choose to give their opinion on styling and "gotta have it factor". I only care about objective performance and handling characteristics. There opinion on what is or is not cool isn't at all meaningful. They spend all that time driving and measuring performance and then they tilt the table and put weight for scoring on what they like. All of the major magazines cover the same cars and are owned by the same publisher so take it for what it is, some other guys opinion.

[chevydude26]

payola...lol but seriously most of the mags have given the nod to the camaro...but this is the issue

how do you knock points for "angry appearance" when most people loved the angry appearance in transformers

and this is a muscle car...its supposed to have an angry appearance...its not a european sports car

and can't you just raise your seat if you don't like the high beltline??...when i first got in a camaro it seemed like i was too low and couldn't see well...then i adjusted the seat up and was perfectly comfortable...

[LabRat]

And the "new" (ahem) Mustang has been out how long vs, the Camaro?

Let's see how that "gotta have it" number changes after the Camaro has beeen on the street a bit.


LabRat

[SGOS252382]

What were the 1/4 mile times?

[chevydude26]

i know the internet isn't a perfect gauge of people but most people on the net don't like the mustangs new rear

the stang doesn't look bad as a convertible...

but i guess name brand is really what would be stirring the new mustang's gotta have it factor

not to mention more females are inclined to drive a mustang than a camaro

[Andro]

Man! I always take to heart what C&D writes, now I'm going to change my mind about the Camaro based on someone elses opinion

[LabRat]

Originally Posted by chevydude26

i know the internet isn't a perfect gauge of people but most people on the net don't like the mustangs new rear

the stang doesn't look bad as a convertible...

but i guess name brand is really what would be stirring the new mustang's gotta have it factor

not to mention more females are inclined to drive a mustang than a camaro

That is pretty much my personal take on the Stang.

The rear reminds me too much of the old California Special, which I always hated.

LabRat

[snizzle]

30 minutes and still no posts from the Mustang fanboys? I'm disappointed. Maybe they're posting in their own forums. Hmmm....

But anyway, "dislike angry appearance".... huh? I like to read the reviews but don't take them to heart. Most people here know what they want regardless.

[snizzle]

Oh and gotta have it factor, basically destroys all credibility for the mag. That's the dumbest metric i've seen in a while, unless they give it to the Camaro haha

[logan1080]

Yeah that's just one persons write up. Everyone has there opinions. People will always say the challenger is better, people will always say the mustang is better, and people will always say the camaro is better. that's life.

[GoldBowtie]

[QUOTE=mkaresh;512927]

Camaro SS 2nd -- 193 pts -- like acceleration and grip, inventive interior; dislike angry appearance, tiny, trunk, hard seats, and "nose-deep-in-a-hole feeling" (high beltline)

.QUOTE]

This rag continues to employ IDIOTS ---- I bought the Camaro for it performance and LOOKS, including the chopped rod feel. The trunk is big (he obviously is confused by relatively small opening), seats are great. I'll give you one guess what "hole" this guys nose is in!!

There are about 10 pages a month worth reading, and if they didn't GIVE the rag away ($9.00/yr), I'd cancel.

[Camaro Lives On]

Car and Driver has been knocking the return of the Camaro since the early tesing stages, and even the Concept. I actually stopped buying C&D all together because of the constant Camaro bashing that they did when it was being tested. I could give a poop less what they think.