Camaro VS Mustang Mega Thread

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by WolfpackRedCamaro

Hey guys, don't let the user name fool you...

I fully intended on getting a new Camaro in the past few months but our house is still on the market and we're having to shift funds around. Once it sells, I'll be free to purchase a new car. During this time however, I've become more aware of what's become available now...

I grew up a GM guy, being in NASCAR country you were either Ford or Chevy. I had a '99 Pontiac Firebird in high school, which was a great car if you didn't mind replacing electronic items every so often.

While I still favor Chevy over Ford, Ford has really upped it's game with the new 2011 Mustangs. I test drove an automatic 2011 V6 Mustang and was surprised at the "pep" it had for a V6. This was in comparison to the V6 Camaros that I've driven which seemed heavier and not as quick.

I broke it down to several areas of comparison...

Looks: Although the Mustang isn't an ugly car, the new Camaro is just sex-on-wheels. Camaro definitely wins in this area.

Interior: I actually love the interior of the Camaro. It's unique and I like the feeling you get when you sit behind the wheel, as far as how low it sits, the look of the steering wheel & gauges, and the view of the windshield. The interior on the base model Mustang is plain-jane, but the premium model is very nice. I'll give this one to the Camaro.

Driving: The Mustang felt lighter on it's feet and quicker. If I got the Mustang though, I'd get the manual. If I got the Camaro, I'd likely opt for the automatic with the paddle shifters. Getting the V6 due to it being a daily-driver and better on gas. At the same time, wouldn't mind good performance, which is why the new Mustang is getting my attention. Point for Mustang.

Price: I can get a base V6 mustang with the optional performance package for around $24k. The RS Camaro that I'd want, I can get for around $26k (after GM supplier discount). I could get the LS or non-RS 1LT, but I would have to at least upgrade the wheels somehow. Anyways, Mustang seems to have better bang-for-the-buck. Not to mention, the Ford dealers I've run into are much easier to deal with so far than the Chevy ones. Another point for Mustang.

So with a "tie", I'm kind of at a loss right now... the old me would've never considered a Mustang (and for good reason, since they were dogs) but Ford has done a good job with the 2011 model.

What do y'all think? I'm keeping in mind that this is a Camaro forum, but would love to get some other opinions, possibly from those of you that have driven both before.

And just so you know, I have looked at and driven both the Genesis coupe and the Challenger. Neither are in contention for obvious reasons...

Go drive them both, maybe that will help you decide.

[mrray13]

Let's see, the OP has driven them both, and that's what got him here, lol....


To the OP..

Seems like the Camaro is getting more emotion out of ya, as it does most. The v6 Mustang, for 2011, is no joke performance wise, but even in your own words, it's still a Mustang. With it's refreshed look, like most, I don't care for the back of the new Mustang, it's not a bad looking car, it just isn't as cool as the Camaro.

All that, if budget is the primary concern, and it allows $26k, the Mustang, with premium pack, might be the better buy. More options, slightly better performance (I'll give it that, although in the v6 section, we have a 2011 Mustang owner who hasn't seen 13s yet), but less wow factor. However, if like some, the wow factor is important, that I can't wait to drive it feeling, the Camaro, by what I read you type, is what you are craving. Sex-on-wheels is a hard feeling to overcome.....puns not intended.

In short, (riiiigggghhhhttttt,) I wouldn't kick the Mustang out of bed for eating crackers, but no way in hell am I giving up my Camaro for one.

[Maurdib]

Don't let your decision be pased on a few tenths of a second. This is a car you will have for atleast 5 years, Which one in a year would you regret not buying, which one makes you smile when you see it and sit in it. Do you want to get attention or blend in with the crowd.

[scythezo6]

If you're buying a V6 who cares which is a little quicker or handles better. Its not like youre going to be wearing a helmet everytime to drive the car, take tight corners and fly down the road. Unless you live life on the edge like that then more power to you. But you just gotta test drive them on different days when you're in a good mood. Take a week away from the 2 and which ever keeps on your mind go buy it. Unlike women a car is one of those things you can mess around with for a while then go buy the one you like most. I guess if you consider a mail-order bride then maybe but thats beside the point. The stuff in bold, go do that! The camaro may be like you say, sex on wheels, but it will just be another car in about 5 years. What we say about the mustang now (OMA GAWD They all look the same!) will be said about our car too. Maybe.

[PoorMansCamaro]

You could also get the camaro as a manual. It would lower the price.

[Greyfox]

In the end get what you want bu I would go with the Camaro because it looks to sexy to pass up.

[ViperTomcat]

Originally Posted by PoorMansCamaro

You could also get the camaro as a manual. It would lower the price.

But it also is going to be his DD..

Manuals in this case may be cheaper, but I think as a DD an auto is more suited.

[macwest]

If going camaro think of a manual. The reason I say this is the manual uses the same rear end as the V8. Pumpkin is differnt number but gears are identical so as richmond releases new gears you can change up. Also you may want to go with V8 lowering springs. They work fine on a v8 and give it better handling and looks.

I had a v6 for a while upgrade to a 2SS. The v6 was nice decent performance. The mustang and camaro are similar but the mustangs lower weight and 19 tires give it an edge. camaro upgrade on exhaust and gear should just about even it out.

Best advice go with what you like, look and feel. Sinc both cars are very similar if performance becomes an issue there are ways to beef either car up.

[WolfpackRedCamaro]

Originally Posted by macwest

If going camaro think of a manual. The reason I say this is the manual uses the same rear end as the V8. Pumpkin is differnt number but gears are identical so as richmond releases new gears you can change up. Also you may want to go with V8 lowering springs. They work fine on a v8 and give it better handling and looks.

I had a v6 for a while upgrade to a 2SS. The v6 was nice decent performance. The mustang and camaro are similar but the mustangs lower weight and 19 tires give it an edge. camaro upgrade on exhaust and gear should just about even it out.

Best advice go with what you like, look and feel. Sinc both cars are very similar if performance becomes an issue there are ways to beef either car up.

Reason why I'd go with the automatic on the Camaro is that it will be a daily driver, and I can also use the sport mode if I get a wild hair every now and then. The Mustang's automatic has no such thing outside of "D", so I'd settle for the manual. I test drove a manual Camaro and an automatic, and didn't find fault with either. If the price truly does become the final consideration, I'll factor in the transmission more.

Originally Posted by mrray13

Let's see, the OP has driven them both, and that's what got him here, lol....


To the OP..

Seems like the Camaro is getting more emotion out of ya, as it does most. The v6 Mustang, for 2011, is no joke performance wise, but even in your own words, it's still a Mustang. With it's refreshed look, like most, I don't care for the back of the new Mustang, it's not a bad looking car, it just isn't as cool as the Camaro.

All that, if budget is the primary concern, and it allows $26k, the Mustang, with premium pack, might be the better buy. More options, slightly better performance (I'll give it that, although in the v6 section, we have a 2011 Mustang owner who hasn't seen 13s yet), but less wow factor. However, if like some, the wow factor is important, that I can't wait to drive it feeling, the Camaro, by what I read you type, is what you are craving. Sex-on-wheels is a hard feeling to overcome.....puns not intended.

In short, (riiiigggghhhhttttt,) I wouldn't kick the Mustang out of bed for eating crackers, but no way in hell am I giving up my Camaro for one.

Good post. Thanks man!

[Stew]

Sounds like you are leaning towards the Camaro man. Either one is a great car, but make sure you get the one you want and won't be wishing you had got the other in a few months. If your posts reflect your opinions completely and correctly, definatly sounds like you would be happier with the Camaro.

[PoorMansCamaro]

Originally Posted by ViperTomcat

But it also is going to be his DD..

Manuals in this case may be cheaper, but I think as a DD an auto is more suited.

but he also said he'd get a manual mustang

Originally Posted by WolfpackRedCamaro

Reason why I'd go with the automatic on the Camaro is that it will be a daily driver, and I can also use the sport mode if I get a wild hair every now and then. The Mustang's automatic has no such thing outside of "D", so I'd settle for the manual. I test drove a manual Camaro and an automatic, and didn't find fault with either. If the price truly does become the final consideration, I'll factor in the transmission more.

My v6 manual is a daily driver. I have over 6k miles on my car in 4 months. I've loved every second of it. stop and go and cruising.

[VADER SS L99]

Its like Texas vs Oklahoma or Michigan vs Ohio State

[WolfpackRedCamaro]

Originally Posted by PoorMansCamaro

but he also said he'd get a manual mustang


My v6 manual is a daily driver. I have over 6k miles on my car in 4 months. I've loved every second of it. stop and go and cruising.

It'll be a daily driver, but I can live with a manual if that's the only real choice I'm given. The Mustang's automatic is the same ol' boring kind you'd find in an Accord or something. The Camaro's at least has the "sport mode", which I liked when I test drove it, as well as in other cars with paddle shifters.

Confusing somewhat, I know... but the DD thing has to do more with getting the V6 instead of the V8 (mpg, insurance costs, and 87 octane gas).

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by VADER SS L99

Its like Texas vs Oklahoma or Michigan vs Ohio State

college sports =