July Motor Trend, Camaro 3rd place to Mustang & Challenger

[brtaus]

So, just doing a quick build your own comparison, here is what I came up with.

This was done to ensure both cars were equipped with similar features and trim packages.

Mustang GT premium w/trim package, Brembo brakes(which you can't get on the california package), sound/bluetooth system, bigger wheels, and same rear gear ratio (all those were optional features) - $39115
Camaro SS/RS - 35,995

Total difference - $3120 more the a GT similar equipped as a SS/RS.

[tw3ss]

Ford can throw a friggin 7.0 in the Mustang and run 10's, I still wouldn't buy, its butt ugly man.

[Unfair]

Just did a build on the ford site with these exact things you mentioned.(can't do brembo brakes so minus $1,695, adding a package that is not available on the car specified doesn't make sense) california special, 19" rims, shaker 500 w/sync system and 3.73 gears.
"Mustang GT premium w/trim package, Brembo brakes(which you can't get on the california package), sound/bluetooth system, bigger wheels, and same rear gear ratio (all those were optional features) - $39115"

why did I get $36,085?

[Lazerbrainz2k3]

Originally Posted by monstertodd

I still don't understand why they are comparing the SRT-8 with a Mustang GT and Camaro SS.

Theoretically speaking, the SRT-8 should be compared to the GT-500, and the mythical Z-28.

They should be comparing the Mustang GT, the Camaro SS, and the Challenger R/T.

Based on what, price? Because performance-wise it's competitive with (but lagging behind) the Camaro SS and Mustang GT. But then, that's always been a weakness in the Challenger - great-looking car, but it yields a lot to the competition in terms of weight, performance, and price, at all trim levels. Just a bad decision on the part of Dodge.

Compared to the GT500 and Z28, it'd look like it's standing still.

[Patriot]

Originally Posted by tw3ss

Ford can throw a friggin 7.0 in the Mustang and run 10's, I still wouldn't buy, its butt ugly man.

[nova]

Originally Posted by OldJedi

The MT editors chose Camaro for third because they did not like the small windows and lower visibility over the better visibility of the Challenger and they also thought it sounded better. The GM Team said that they would not let anyone else out do them. The Mustang has thrown down the gauntlet, with their new 5.0 engine and Brembo brake package. I only hope the GM Team accepts the challenge and has a couple of tricks up their sleeve.

Translation: Ford bought more ad copy that Chrysler who bought more than GM this month.

[RedJewelSS]

a question ive had for a long time: these testers that work for MT, C+D or whatever, are they actually experienced drivers or are they writers who know basic performance driving. the reason i wonder is i have never owned a car that ran within .3 seconds of what was claimed. ie. my old cobra .4 quicker if i remember right MT said 12.9. i personally went 12.5 @ around 115 with a stock car. i cant remember exactly it was 3 years ago. im leaning toward the average joe writter not a pro.

[Sax1031]

Originally Posted by RedJewelSS

a question ive had for a long time: these testers that work for MT, C+D or whatever, are they actually experienced drivers or are they writers who know basic performance driving. the reason i wonder is i have never owned a car that ran within .3 seconds of what was claimed. ie. my old cobra .4 quicker if i remember right MT said 12.9. i personally went 12.5 @ around 115 with a stock car. i cant remember exactly it was 3 years ago. im leaning toward the average joe writter not a pro.

You have to remember these guys spend limited amounts of time with these cars and are asked to give performance times/mph for the car. I am sure most of them can drive better than the general public. But most the time you need to have some decent amount of time behind the wheel of a vehicle to drive it to it's potential.

[daphatgrant]

How do you compare an SRT8 to a SS? You don't compare an RT to a GT500?

SS = RT = GT
Z/28? = SRT8 = GT500
.

[Unfair]

Originally Posted by Romeloc

MT is full of it.

Do you mean they lied or something can you expand on that?

[brtaus]

Originally Posted by Unfair

Just did a build on the ford site with these exact things you mentioned.(can't do brembo brakes so minus $1,695, adding a package that is not available on the car specified doesn't make sense) california special, 19" rims, shaker 500 w/sync system and 3.73 gears.
"Mustang GT premium w/trim package, Brembo brakes(which you can't get on the california package), sound/bluetooth system, bigger wheels, and same rear gear ratio (all those were optional features) - $39115"

why did I get $36,085?

I didn't do the California package as you can't add the brembo brakes to that package. I did the Trim package. You have to add the brembo brakes as they are standard on the SS to get an accurate comparison.

[spyderbuddy]

Originally Posted by OldJedi

OK, The numbers are in for the first test of the new Mustang 5.0 and a comparison of the SS and the SRT8.

1st Place: Mustang - 0-60 / 4.4 sec. - 1/4 mi. / 12.7 @ 111.3 - 60-0 / 104'
skidpad .97g

2nd Place Challenger SRT8 - 0-60 / 4.8 sec. - 1/4 mi. / 13.3 @ 106.1
60-0 / 113' skidpad .92g

3rd Place Camaro SS - 0-60 / 4.7 sec. - 1/4 mi. / 13.1 @ 110 - 60-0 / 108'
skidpad .92g

The MT editors chose Camaro for third because they did not like the small windows and lower visibility over the better visibility of the Challenger and they also thought it sounded better. The GM Team said that they would not let anyone else out do them. The Mustang has thrown down the gauntlet, with their new 5.0 engine and Brembo brake package. I only hope the GM Team accepts the challenge and has a couple of tricks up their sleeve.

SO I DON'T CARE IF CAMARO IS THIRD, FORTH, OR LAST
IT'S FIRST IN MY BOOK

[chain1]

Originally Posted by brtaus

So, just doing a quick build your own comparison, here is what I came up with.

This was done to ensure both cars were equipped with similar features and trim packages.

Mustang GT premium w/trim package, Brembo brakes(which you can't get on the california package), sound/bluetooth system, bigger wheels, and same rear gear ratio (all those were optional features) - $39115
Camaro SS/RS - 35,995

Total difference - $3120 more the a GT similar equipped as a SS/RS.

What bigger wheels did you include? Also does that price include the $2300 electronics package? All that package is is a high tech Nav system so I wouldn't include it if you are trying to make the two cars comparable. I've priced out this car many times and with the premium with the options I want always comes in under 36k.

[Fogey]

Years ago it wouldn't have matter but I have to admit to taking a look at the new Mustang. The issue was visibility. But here's where this old guy ended up. 1) The Brembo brake package is an option, not included like it is on the SS. 2) I want an auto (flame if you wish) but after 10 years of driving a Passat with a chipped Tiptronic, plus tired knees et. al. I'm sold on a Tip tranny. The Ford only comes with a regular auto. I'm sure it's a good tranny but doesn't allow for driver control. 3) The Mustang design has changed very little over the past few years and I expect a major makeover soon.
Finally, the last Ford I drove was a 1948 Tractor that pulled the manure spreader on our dairy. With one slip, to the Passat, ten years ago, I am GM thru and thru.