Thursday, January 28, 2010

Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger

All three are true blooded American muscle cars, yet each one seems to possess it's own strengths and weaknesses. While all in the same category of vehicle, they all are significantly different when it comes to what one is looking for in a car. Though I've only driven the Challenger, and a Mustang GT (though it was the last gen version), I can speculate from what I've read, seen, and felt first hand as to how the models compare. Let's start with the Mustang.


2011 Ford Mustang GT: I drove a Mustang GT from a few years ago, actually, a production version long before they hit the road. Though I'm sure improvements have been made as far as handling and power, such as this year's bump to a 5.0 with 412 hp, I have a pretty good idea what the Mustang is all about. The new 2011 Mustang carries on the tradition of previous years, taking us back to the 60's, catching the tail end of that decade with this model. The Mustang is the type of muscle car that feels like your average mid-size car in many respects. It's a good all around car, with the lightness to make it quite agile compared to the Camaro and Challenger. With the 412 hp, I'm sure it will get a lot more respect running with the competition, likely even running AWAY from the competition this time around. The interior is nicely done, comfortable, and not too sports car feely, though you feel wrapped a little tighter than your average family sedan. Visibility from inside the car is better than the Camaro and Challenger by a long shot. All around, I think this new Mustang will be an even hotter seller than the last model. With a 300+ hp V6 that gets 30 mpg, I'm sure a great number will give the nod to the base model Stang.


2010 Dodge Challenger: I can actually say that I drove this model, the R/T, though it was the automatic version. The Dodge Challenger feels more like a high hp family car in regards to drivability. While the body says Challenger, it has the feel that is much closer to the larger/heavier Charger from the late 60's early 70's. Stomp the pedal and you just don't have the feel of a fast accelerating muscle car, yet the speedometer states otherwise. The styling of the Dodge Challenger is by far the most true to it's roots. Park it next to a 1970 Challenger and they look nearly identical, though the latest version suffers from an obvious weight problem. The Challenger is the all around boulevard bruiser, the heavy weight of the bunch. While this review may seem fairly negative, and perhaps it is, the Dodge Challenger will likely put a smile on each and every one of it's owners. The car has a special something that you just gotta like. For a cross country trip, the Challenger would be by far the most comfortable and pleasureful of the pack.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro: While my personal favorite of the bunch, the car has it's own shortcomings. Let me start by saying that I feel the Camaro styling combines the best body lines on a car ever produced (1969 Camaro) with that of the most cutting edge, dare to be different styles of today (Cadillac lines). Visually, it is the best eye candy of the bunch. The downside to that is the environment it creates within the car. While I feel the interior styling is better than that of Ford or Dodge, it definately has the feel of a cockpit...though lacking the visibility the glass bubble would offer. Instead, the windows on all sides feel more like portals. While seating is comfortable, you almost feel trapped inside the car. With the high body lines and relatively small front and back windows, it is not a car for those affected by tight confines. While I can only vouch for what I've read in regards to performance, the Camaro appears to be a great all around performer, topping it's competition in every area. That being said, the Camaro is only a few hundred pounds off the Challenger, and thus suffers to some degree in regards to throwing it around corners. At an approximate 3,900 lbs, I'm sure "nible" is not a word a driver would describe regarding the feel. Chevrolet also offers a V6 that knocks down 29 mpg, which should prove beneficial in the future as mpg standards get even tighter. So of the bunch, I'd say the Camaro would likely be the least desirable to your average car buyer, though perhaps the most desirable to the guy or gal looking for a car that performs and looks sexy as hell.

So my final verdict? I don't have one. Unlike the car bags, I just can't bring myself to attach a rank/file to each car. Each one has it's own personality, each one much more separated than the original three pony cars back in 1969-1970. All I can say is if you're looking to buy, take each one for a test drive, push it a little (or a lot), and decide for yourself which car fits your personality and tastes. With such great rides, whatever you decide, you can't go wrong.

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