By Mark Takahashi Photos by Scott Jacobs, Kurt Niebuhr and Mark Takahashi
muscle car n : any of a group of American-made 2-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving.
The muscle car wars have once again been ignited and fans of the holy trinity of American performance -- Camaro, Mustang and Challenger -- have never been happier. Ford has fired the latest shot across the bow of Chevy and Dodge, with the revival of the revered 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 Mustang GT. It seemed fitting then to pit the new 'Stang against our long-term Camaro SS and Challenger R/T, both of which are also powered by stout eight-cylinder engines.
For this comparison, we motored along a meandering stretch of pavement that curls high above the Pacific Coast. Each section of the route included similar portions of highway straightaways, curves and choppy road surfaces. Editors Mark Takahashi, John DiPietro and Warren Clarke charged into the mountains for a raucous yet enlightening afternoon of driving and debating. In the end, our rankings were unanimous and our number crunching backed them up. It's a tough job, we know, but somebody's got to do it.
Base MSRP (with destination): $34,225
Options: RS Package ($1,200 -- 20-inch wheels, body-colored roof ditch molding, HID headlights with halo ring, RS-specific taillights)
As Tested Price: $ 35,425
For more information, please read the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Model Review
Where it Follows:
We've had a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS in our long-term test fleet since August of 2009. In the time since, we've had plenty of time to identify its shortcomings, and they are numerous. Visibility -- both forward, sideward and rearward -- are compromised in the name of exterior styling. The thick A-pillar had us bobbing our heads to-and-fro in order to try to get a better view through canyon curves, while the small rear window makes backing into parking spaces needlessly stressful. The steering wheel seems poorly suited for human hands and the over-complicated climate controls make even the simplest tasks difficult.
The Camaro also lost points for having more road and wind noise, the least comfortable driving position and miniscule rear seats. Further compounding its woes, the trunk opening is unusually narrow and the cabin's abundant hard plastics make the other cars here seem upscale. In other words, the Camaro is more difficult and less pleasant to live with on a day-to-day basis.
However, it wasn't until we drove the Camaro back-to-back against the Mustang and Challenger did the Chevy's other shortcomings become so readily apparent. We were unanimous in ranking the Camaro SS last in terms of comfort, trunk space, design, interior materials, build quality, and yes, handling. In its defense, the Camaro was tight and responsive in the curves, but was easily upset over the slightest of road imperfections. Creases in the road surface and mid-corner bumps kept the rear wheels twitching nervously, which in turn, kept us busy at the wheel to keep the Camaro in line.
The latest test numbers may have the Camaro SS leading the pack, but the smooth pavement and controlled conditions at our test track are unrealistic for those who drive in the real world. With the Mustang's superior road manners and the Challenger's more comfortable ride, that leaves the Camaro playing second fiddle on both counts.
Where it Leads:
Okay, before your vitriol begins to fill that comment box at the bottom of the page, hear us out. We don't think the Camaro is an awful car. On its own, it's still very entertaining to drive. There was one area where we all agreed the Camaro ruled supreme -- the engine. Proving there's no replacement for displacement, the 6.2-liter V8 is the largest among the group. Automotive Content Editor, Warren Clarke summed it up best by stating, "The gutsy, responsive engine is probably the best thing about this car."
Oh, it also leads here.
Best For: Burnouts, Loyal Chevy fans and drivers who are willing to make some sacrifices for an exceptional engine.
0 - 60: 5.1 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.1 @ 110.4 60 - 0 Braking: 111 ft. Slalom: 68.2 mph Skidpad: 0.89 g
Base MSRP (with destination): $30,545
Options: Customer Preferred Package 27J ($1,935 -- six Boston Acoustics speakers, 276-watt Amplifier, satellite radio, automatic headlights, body-colored exterior mirrors, heated front leather seats, floor mats, heated foldaway mirrors); uConnect GPS ($1,390 -- real-time traffic, multimedia navigation system with GPS); Electronics Convenience Group ($1,260 -- illuminated cupholders and door handles, instrument cluster with display screen, keyless go, auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone, security alarm, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, temperature gauge and compass, trip computer, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, Universal garage door opener); Six-speed manual transmission ($995 -- Track Pak, 3.73 rear axle ratio, anti-spin rear differential, alloy pedals, hill start assist); Sound Group II ($185 -- 368-watt amplifier, seven Boston Acoustics speakers with subwoofer)
As Tested Price: $ 36,310
For more information, please read the 2010 Dodge Challenger Model Review
Where it Follows:
Tipping the scales at 4,055 pounds, our 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is the heaviest of the group -- outweighing the Camaro and Mustang by almost 200 and 400 pounds, respectively. It's also the largest in every dimension (tied with the Camaro for the widest). That heft makes the Challenger feel like a linesman among wide receivers. In a straight line the big bad Dodge isn't that far behind the Chevy, but acceleration times are of particular importance for muscle car aficionados -- and for them, 0.8 seconds is a lifetime at the end of the quarter-mile.
When the road begins to bend, the Challenger just barely edges out the Camaro, which isn't exactly a sterling endorsement. Judging from our test track handling numbers, the Camaro has the advantage, but on the open road the Challenger gets time served for good behavior. When the road gets rough, the Challenger remains much more composed as its softer suspension soaks up the ruts. On the flip-side of the handling coin, the cushiony ride makes the Challenger feel too floaty and uncommunicative. This, and the fact that you can't fully disengage stability control, makes the Challenger R/T ill-suited for spirited backroad adventures.
Where it Leads:
Comfort and convenience kept the Challenger in the running. As a road tripper the Dodge handily beats out the more athletic suitors with its smooth ride and quiet cabin. Plus, it's the only combatant that sports a realistic set of rear seats. Even taller adults should find a reasonable amount of space back there, as opposed to the padded shelving units found in the Mustang and Camaro. Further back, the 16.2-cubic-foot trunk looks enormous compared to the Camaro's 11.3 and the Mustang's 13.4. The Challenger gets an additional nod for the wide opening and pass-through. In other words, it's easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.
Considering that most Americans are more likely to take their modern-day muscle car on an interstate journey than a canyon-carving contest, this advantage becomes even more important. And although styling factors minimally into our scoring, we found our long-term Challenger notable in regards to design and attitude. At a stop light, it resembles a sinister black Rottweiler, pulling at the chain around its neck. In comparison, the Camaro looks overstyled while the Mustang borders on ordinary.
Best For: Back seat passengers, Carrying stuff in the trunk, Road trips, Parents or larger drivers with an affinity for muscle cars.
0 - 60: 5.5 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.9 @ 103.2 60 - 0 Braking: 128 ft. Slalom: 64.7 mph Skidpad: 0.83 g
Base MSRP (with destination): $33,695
Options: California Special Package ($1,995 -- Unique grille and badge, side stripes, lower fascia with foglights, 19-inch wheels, "carbon" interior inserts, floor mats, rear diffuser style lower fascia, rear spoiler, side scoops, decklid tape appliqué); Security Package ($395 -- includes active anti-theft system, wheel locking kit)
As Tested Price: $ 37,600
For more information, please read the 2011 Ford Mustang Model Review
Where it Follows:
As the champion in this comparison, we found it difficult to fault the 2011 Ford Mustang GT on any meaningful level. As a result, our gripes seem more like nitpicking. The Mustang trailed the Challenger in the comfort category, but we certainly wouldn't call it uncomfortable since the Dodge was almost too plush for our tastes. We did feel a few minor hard points atop the seatback that poked us between the shoulder blades, and those may be tiresome after a few hours in the seat. Otherwise, we only docked the Mustang for a comparable lack of interior storage and a less-than-legible gauge cluster.
Where it Leads:
Muscle cars put plenty of emphasis on performance, and the 2011 Ford Mustang GT hangs with the top-performing Camaro in every category. The Camaro may have a snappier engine response, but as Automotive Editor John DiPietro put it, "The Mustang just pours out the power across a wide range."
The performance gap widens further when the road narrows and becomes more serpentine. Besides having noticeably better roadholding skills, the Mustang was nearly unaffected by rutted pavement and mid corner bumps -- a vast improvement over the last generation's nervous rearend. Accurate and communicative steering along with a well-balanced chassis allowed us to guide the Mustang with missile-like precision.
From our perspective, the Mustang is better throughout, with every interface between pilot and machine designed for maximum efficiency and pleasure. The shifter is not just good, it's one of the best -- ranking up there with the Mazda Miata's and Audi R8's. The cabin is as pleasantly quiet as the Challenger's, yet there's also more of the 5.0-liter V8's glorious soundtrack is thanks to an induction tube that channels the engine roar into the passenger compartment.
The Mustang also manages to prevail when it comes to everyday practicality. Outward visibility is easily the best of the three, with narrower A-pillars and a rear window that is actually useful when reversing. Add in Ford's Sync voice activation and customizable color interior lighting, the Mustang just seems better sorted out than the Challenger or Camaro. At the end of the day, the 2011 Ford Mustang GT rises to the top with well-rounded capabilities and fun-to-drive dynamics.
0 - 60: 5.1 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.3 @ 107.3 60 - 0 Braking: 117 ft. Slalom: 65.9 mph Skidpad: 0.87 g
Ford provided Edmunds with the Mustang GT for the purposes of evaluation. We bought the other two.
By estreka
on May 10, 2010
06:22 AM
I haven't driven any of these cars, but I think you're probably right in your rankings of these cars. While the Mustang's price tag has gone up considerably in recent years, it's still the best bang for your buck among Detroit's offerings.
By dougtheeng
on May 10, 2010
07:45 AM
The only real knock I have against the Mustang is the fact that they are everywhere...but then again, thats because they've been selling well for a long time. Also, I think in a few more years we'll be seeing Camaro's everywhere. I've already grown tired of the Camaro styling, which is really too bad because I like that GM took a gamble and produced something edgy. Its just like with the first gen CTS...cool at first, but doesn't last long at all.
By iskch
on May 10, 2010
08:29 AM
Agree with the results.
By greenpony
on May 10, 2010
10:16 AM
So... with a live axle and no handling upgrades, the Mustang still beats its competition? I think all the automotive journalists and blog posters need to eat their words if they still count as one of the Mustang's flaws the lack of an independent rear suspension.
By huyracing
on May 10, 2010
11:35 AM
seriously... Ford insisting on sticking with the live rear axle and continually improving it (or perfecting it?) is no different than Mr. Porsche and his affinity for the rear engine. It is certainly the hard way of doing things, but it makes for a unique car. as much as the media and people who aren't customers complain about it, the diehard's will riot if they change it.
anyways, i have wanted a Mustang since the retro styling... but i hated the interior and then they fixed that... but i hated the transmission and the easily unsettled live axle and they fixed that... looks like i have nothing left to hate. They even fixed the anemic V6 and its so good I might choose that over the V8.
of course, my GTI is so good that I'll drive it to the ground before I get a new car... but the Mustang is amazing now and seems to only get better.
By blueguydotcom
on May 10, 2010
11:51 AM
The prices of these cars is astounding. I can't imagine dropping 35k+ any of these cars.
By bodyblue
on May 10, 2010
12:31 PM
I cant wait for the whining and sobbing of the GM fanboys over this one! The Camaro whipped by the Challenger!! I love it!
By fuhteng
on May 10, 2010
12:44 PM
blueguydotcom - then they're not aimed at you are they? Never mind that not one is actually $35k.
huyracing - your GTI will last about 1,000 miles past the warranty, and then you'll be all free to buy the Mustang. Sounds like a plan to me.
greenpony - +1. Where is the mea culpa from the car mags about the live axel? Oh that's right, we won't ever get one.
By wrinklebump
on May 10, 2010
12:49 PM
Challenger for me, plz. In muscle cars, looks matter.
By vantageman
on May 10, 2010
01:48 PM
lol further proof that you cant believe Edmunds.com on much the Challenger has lost along time ago in this race now all of sudden its better than the Camaro?? This site also did a test of the Camaro and Mustang and they raved on how close the 2 were now all of sudden its the worst of the pack, seriously? Coming from a true enthusiast I typically to take these comparison test with a grain of salt they are to ridden by personal opinion and inconsistancy that they shouldnt be taken as more than someone elses opinion.
By aurakr
on May 10, 2010
02:06 PM
If you are a Camaro fan, you just have to read sentence #2 to know how this was going to go.
I like to think the Mustang is well done, but not perfect either. The part that surprises me is that all other reviews have stated the Camaro does well with uneven pavement.
Either way, it looks like the anti-GM beliefs are still alive and well at Edmunds.
FWIW Popular Mechanics was able to find out the top speed of a Camaro SS. 174 not bad.
By 2blkstangs
on May 10, 2010
02:31 PM
This is right in line with all other publications. It is all about bang for the buck and what you get for that buck. If you take that stupid California Special package off and it's $2000 cost it would have been an even bigger winner. They will sell a ton of these. And another thing the V-6 is going to do very well for itself.
By yankeez
on May 10, 2010
02:34 PM
As a Challenger owner, my head is still spinning that the Challenger didn't come in the inevitable 3rd place as it has in just about every other 3-way comparo test.
Guess after all the Camaro hype from the last few years (and Transformer GM-commercial movies), the bloom is finally starting to come off the rose - plus, I'm guessing the fact that the Camaro recently grenaded its transmission after a 3-way burnout contest between the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang (which I'm very surprised they didn't mention) is still fresh in their minds.
By huyracing
on May 10, 2010
07:23 PM
fuhteng - it is idiotic to say a car will die after its warranty. perhaps i should get a Camaro so that the transmission fails right away, huh? the GTI has been nothing but reliable, so i have no reason to believe otherwise. let me tell you this though, even if it were to die once the warranty ends, i would get another.
remember people... a car is much more than its numbers. this is why the GTI is such a fine car. This is why the Challenger is above the Camaro. The mustang simply combines the performance with those traits that make even slow cars so enjoyable.
By firstwagon
on May 11, 2010
12:09 AM
"Either way, it looks like the anti-GM beliefs are still alive and well at Edmunds."
Sour grapes.
Face it, the Camaro is good but the others are better. GM could have done better and Ford did.
Dodge on the other hand did it different. Not as much of a race car but better in the real world then most expected.... and the one I would buy.
By bodyblue
on May 11, 2010
05:31 AM
It is easy to have an anti GM bias when the make poorly built cars like the IL Camaro SS. GM still has not got it together after all that time, money and crying. It is the same old GM.
By sabastian
on May 11, 2010
08:24 AM
"The prices of these cars is astounding. I can't imagine dropping 35k+ any of these cars."
Really? If you throw a few options on a BMW 128i, you'll be looking down the barrel of a $35k sticker. Now, I'm not saying that the 1-series is a bad car or anything (I'd buy one.), but the power per dollar ratio is definitely higher for the muscle cars. Also, now that the Mustang handles well and has a decent interior, it's much more of a well-rounded proposition than the stereotypical muscle car.
On a related note: I'd really like to see a comparison featuring one of these three cars that steps out of the typical American muscle-car segment. How about the Mustang GT vs BMW 135i or something along those lines?
By way2goslick
on May 11, 2010
10:05 AM
I mostly agree with this ranking except if a Civic Si would have appeared in this comparison it would ranked ahead of all three. Pound for pound the Civic Si is the King. Mustang, Challenger, & Camaro don't sound Hi Tech like my Civic when I'm in an underpass and throw it into neutral and redline it. The sound is truly mezmerizing!
By sabastian
on May 11, 2010
10:42 AM
^Really?
By arumage
on May 11, 2010
01:17 PM
@way2goslick:
I hope that is sarcasm. The Civic Si is a fantastic vehicle, but the base 2011 Mustang's 0-60 times are the same now. The 305hp Mustang also gets better highway gas mileage, and you don't have to hit the rev limiter every time you want to accelerate. As for the sound, I'd rather have the baritone rumble of a good old fashioned V8 over a high string 4-cyl anyday.
By blueguydotcom
on May 11, 2010
11:08 PM
@sabastian,
BMW = ED.
And I'd probably go WRX hatch before the others in this article. At ~26k it's faster than a few cars listed here, handles as well, stops faster, seats 4, has room in the back, can be driven in all weather and with minor mods (less than 2k) it'll make far more power and handle better.
By 1487
on May 12, 2010
06:12 AM
its interesting how recent comparos have totally reversed the ranking of the Challenger and Camaro. IL and MT both ranked the Camaro CLEARLY superior to the Challenger and now both have come back and said the Dodge is better- in spite of no major changes to either model. Why exactly did the Camaro beat the Challenger in the earlier IL test of the Chevy is such a bad car? Total lack of consistency.
By greenpony
on May 12, 2010
10:21 AM
1487, there is more to setting the rankings in a comparo than hard numbers. What matters is perception, and when that changes, you get different results. As someone above intimated, the Camaro's newness has worn off, and what you're left with isn't all that appealing.
Besides, aren't GM engineers hard at work "upgrading" next year's camaro anyway, to make it compete better with the Mustang?
By rsxs
on May 12, 2010
10:25 AM
arumage
I so agree with you. As an Acura rsx-s owner, nothing tops the rumble of a V8(or larger). That sound always catches my attention rather than a high rev 4 banger
By r1chwa1nwr1ght
on May 12, 2010
06:29 PM
@1487
If you look at the numbers, the reason MT and IL rated the Challenger worse than the Camaro are still apparent. The numbers say the Camaro is better. But this article is about opinion (that I agree with!) but only opinion. The Camaro tried too hard to be a sports car and not a muscle car.
I'd love to see the Challenger take first, but it clearly wins on opinion. It always gets points where it counts: it performs very well, it looks fantastic, sounds amazing (but only when you want it to), and is comfortable and well thought out.
I have friends that have Civic's and WRX's, and I wouldn't trade my 2000 rpm burble ever for their redline scream (not saying there's anything wrong with that!).
By 1487
on May 13, 2010
06:43 AM
"1487, there is more to setting the rankings in a comparo than hard numbers. What matters is perception, and when that changes, you get different results. As someone above intimated, the Camaro's newness has worn off, and what you're left with isn't all that appealing."
BS. The Camaro had the same interior and same sightlines when it was first compared to Challenger. Those things didn't get worse over the last year. The initial comparos of the muscle cars basically said the challenger wasn't even in the running unless you were talking the pricey SRT8 model. Now that all of the auto media has turned against the Camaro (the same car they couldnt wait for GM to introduce) they have decided the Challenger's cushy ride and immense dimensions actually make it a better car than the sportier, lighter Chevy. Its totally inconsistent. I could understand the praise for the Challenger's ride quality more if the Camaro actually had a poor ride- but that's not the case. Both have been praised for highway composure but the Camaro gives you that with sharper reflexes, less weight, better performance and better looks.
"Besides, aren't GM engineers hard at work "upgrading" next year's camaro anyway, to make it compete better with the Mustang?"
According to IL the interior will be upgraded, which is fine. That isnt a concession that the car is a half assed effort as you and others are suggesting. Once again I will remind folks that the PUBLIC likes the formula. The Mustang has been blown away in recent months in terms of sales and the Challenger/Genesis are far behind the Mustang.
By 1487
on May 13, 2010
06:45 AM
"As someone above intimated, the Camaro's newness has worn off, and what you're left with isn't all that appealing."
So when the car was new you are saying auto journalists were too awestruck and stupid to recognize it had small windows and a big steering wheel? Interesting theory. I have yet to figure out how all these people didnt notice the car's proportions or interior when it was a concept 5-6 years ago. The production car is almost a dead ringer for the concept, including the interior which so many now claim to find objectionable.
By myob
on May 13, 2010
07:01 AM
When you're a kid you don't really care about comfort, rear seat room, ride, and visability. But you get old and then those things start mattering more.
You also realize that you almost never will actually use these things to the limits they do in the testing. All are "fun enough" to drive.
So (if you like this type of car still) buy the one you like the best and don't worry about it. Living to either please others through aquiring material things or compete against others in a oneupsmanship contest is a lousy way to live.
By nkeen
on May 25, 2010
07:32 PM
I have driven a 2009 SRT8, a 2010 Camaro V6 and a 2010 Mustang GT with the 3.31 rear end, all with manual transmissions. The soulful SRT8 has a great chassis -- it's a big car but the Mercedes origins show through. Nice short throw transmission. The fastest of the three, I gather -- 167 mph top end. I liked it, but it was making a nasty noise when I got it back to the dealer forecourt. Chrysler?
The Camaro was not a particularly nice car -- very hard to place on winding roads, uncomfortable seats, and who designs a manual transmission car with the handbrake on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel?
The 2010 Mustang GT was fun to drive on country roads -- quite tossable. I imagine the 2011 to be a significant incremental improvement. The base car with the shorter 3.73 rear end and perhaps the Brembo package would be a very reasonable buy at around $30K -- and it comes with cloth seats which I much prefer over leather. However, no Sirius. But the handbrake is on the correct side.
By 09rtpony
on October 1, 2010
12:19 AM
Well for starters,...why is it that just about every review I read comparing these 3 cars never use the Challenger SRT8 up against the top Mustang and Camero models,...they always put the R/T 5.7L 375HP Challenger up against the other two.If your going to do a fair comparison especially in the 0-60 and 1/4 mile categories you must use the Challenger SRT8 6.1L Hemi,...what are you afraid of?I have seen many races between the Camero SS and Challenger SRT8 and both cars either win or lose by no more than a half or full car length,...it all depends who the driver is,...the SRT8 does very well considering it weighs 400lbs more than the Camero SS.
Secondly,...you can fully disable the 'Stability Control' in the Challenger R/T by utilizing the 'Key Trick'.Press the 'ESP' button once,then,...put the car in gear and drive forward to at least 15MPH at which time turn the key all the way to the right as if you are going to start the car.The starter will not engage and after holding the key in that position for about 5 seconds you will hear a chime and the BAS light will now be illuminated above the 'Squiggaly Lines' when you pressed the 'ESP' button once.This will indicate that the 'Stability Control' is now fully disabled.Proceed to smoke the tires!
By karmart1
on December 13, 2010
10:42 AM
Well the New 392 Hemi Challenger will whip any of the Mustangs and Camaro's. KarMART in Burlington, WA 98233 is excited to get these Challengers in. Atleast we are making the Challenger better and not sticking with old technology like the Mustang. Hurry in to KarMART and get your Challenger in Burlington, Washington.