America vs. Tyranny, Wile E. Coyote vs. The Road Runner, Camaro vs. Mustang
The longstanding rivalry between the Mustang and the Camaro began the minute Chevy realized that Ford's new pony car was a hit—and that Chevy didn't have an immediate competitor.
Nearly three years after Ford first took the world by storm with the Mustang, Chevrolet brought out the Camaro. Next came an escalating horsepower tit-for-tat that culminated in big-block Camaros and Boss Mustangs, Trans-Am racing showdowns, and drag-night fistfights. The emissions-reduction era that followed barely slowed the Ford-vs.-Chevy roll, and by the 1980s, both pony cars were back in full fighting shape. By the 1990s, horsepower was back in a big way, and following the Camaro’s 10-year hiatus in the 2000s, horsepower wasn’t just back—it was setting new standards for itself in stuff like the 662-hp Mustang Shelby GT500 and the 580-hp Camaro ZL1.
We’ve been there every step of the way, pitting the Camaro and the Mustang against one another since 1968. With the sixth-generation Camaro’s arrival >>, what better time to don your bow tie or blue-oval hat, crack a frosty beverage, and dive into the Camaro-vs.-Mustang rivalry as seen in the pages of C/D?
1968: Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 and Ford Mustang 390 GT in Six-Car Shootout
Curiously, our first comparison test featuring both the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro didn’t take place until 1968, the year after the Camaro was launched. Perhaps even more curious, the Mustang and the Camaro anchored the bottom end of this six-car comparison test’s finishing order. The Chevy barely edged out the Ford, but both classic muscle cars were beaten by a Pontiac Firebird, a Plymouth Barracuda, an AMC Javelin, and a Mercury Cougar.
1968: Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 and Ford Mustang 390 GT in Six-Car Shootout
According to our testers in 1968, the Camaro "was an unmanageable handful on the road course simply because of overwhelming understeer." We held the Mustang in similar regard.
1968: Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 vs. 1968 Tunnel Port Ford Mustang coupe
A no-holds-barred test between two competing automakers using modified cars? What could possibly go wrong? With Trans-Am racing and factory-offered performance parts on the rise, we decided to host a grudge match between factory-fiddled pony cars from Ford and Chevy. In spite of cheater tires, the Mustang lost to the Camaro. Both cars were unabashedly cool, however.
1968: Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 vs. 1968 Tunnel Port Ford Mustang coupe
Sam Posey, our test driver, was surprised by his best lap time around Lime Rock:
"Really? A 1:09.2? That would have put us somewhere in the middle of the Trans-Am grid here last year which is pretty intriguing since it's really a street car."
1982: Porsche 928 vs. Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, Ford Mustang GT
While this four-car comparo might seem bizarre, it was really a test to see whether America could produce a fast GT car that even came close to the European standard. Our Euro example-setter? The Porsche 928, a car we “anointed to serve as the group’s spiritual inspiration and silver-plated yardstick."
1982: Porsche 928 vs. Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, Ford Mustang GT
“The serpentine switchbacks up and down Mount Palomar demonstrated a clear difference between Camaro and Firebird handling: The Camaro cuts and thrusts with the Porsche, while the Trans Am is noticeably slower on the uptake.” For all its impressive handling, the Camaro proved too stiff to win over its more Grand Touring–focused competitors; after all, this was a test of America’s GT mettle.
1983: Ford Mustang GT vs. 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 H.O.
A test that’s based on the fact that the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro V-8 engines gained horsepower sounds great, right? At the time, it was even better than you think, because the engines’ output improved to 175 horsepower in the Ford and 190 in the Chevy. Yep, the early 1980s were bleak.
1983: Ford Mustang GT vs. 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 H.O.
As we wrote in 1983, “In fact, the Camaro Z28 and the Mustang GT have become the focus of the first all-out performance contest between Ford and Chevrolet since the Sixties. That war for domination of the all-American-GT class prompted our "Red Speed" shootout last August. And its continuing importance to the folks in Warren and Dearborn—not to mention to those of us who relish driving at speed—has led to this return bout.”
1984: The Best Handling American Car Is . . . - Camaro Z28 vs. Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Daytona Turbo Z, Ford Mustang SVO, Pontiac Fiero 2M4
In '84, we introduced this five-car comparo thusly: "This is a test. Five automobiles—what we believe to be the cream of the American crop in terms of handling prowess—will engage in pitched battle." So with no shortage of drama, we pitted five of America's sportiest rides against one another to find which one handled the best.
1984: The Best Handling American Car Is . . . - Camaro Z28 vs. Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Daytona Turbo Z, Ford Mustang SVO, Pontiac Fiero 2M4
Ignoring the eclectic grouping—any comparison test that includes a Fiero automatically qualifies as odd—the Camaro not only won the test, but it also was the clear favorite over the other Chevy contender, the Corvette.
1985: Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta vs. Ford Mustang SVO, Chrysler Laser, Nissan 300ZX, Mitsubishi Starion, Merkur XR4Ti, Toyota Supra, Audi Coupe GT
Late in the second-generation Camaro’s life cycle, Chevrolet came up with the idea for a luxurious, stylish Camaro model to attract non-performance-minded folks. It was called the Berlinetta, but we'd have dug a vinyl-roofed Brougham just the same. Nevertheless, the Berlinetta survived into the Camaro’s third generation, and even among the suitably offbeat company of a Ford Mustang SVO, Chrysler Laser, Nissan 300ZX, Mitsubishi Starion, Merkur XR4Ti, a Toyota Supra, and an Audi Coupe GT, it placed dead last.
1985: Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta vs. Ford Mustang SVO, Chrysler Laser, Nissan 300ZX, Mitsubishi Starion, Merkur XR4Ti, Toyota Supra, Audi Coupe GT
“It's clear from our Berlinetta experience that Chevrolet's interest in sporting Camaros stops with the Z28. The Berlinetta V-6 proved to be a Percheron among quarter horses in this comparison, destined to go through life with too little motor, run-of-the-mill rubber, and an underachiever suspension.” Ouch, that really says it all, doesn’t it?
1986: Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z vs. Ford Mustang LX 5.0
The auto industry’s slow, grinding crawl back toward viable performance machines in the 1980s continued with the introduction of the Ford Mustang LX and the Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Both pony cars came standard with the highest-output versions of each brand’s respective V-8 engine, and of course we put them head-to-head.
1986: Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z vs. Ford Mustang LX 5.0
The Camaro IROC-Z narrowly lost this comparison test, but it also went on to become an ‘80s icon. So, a win?
1987: In Search of the Best American GT Car - Ford Mustang GT vs. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z, Pontiac Firebird Formula
Following a Mustang-vs.-Camaro IROC-Z prototype showdown the year before in which the Ford won, we decided to host the pair again and toss in a third competitor for good measure. The task? To find the best American GT car, meaning the best all-rounder, not necessarily the quickest, stickiest, or hottest-looking.
In Search of the Best American GT Car: Ford Mustang GT vs. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z, Pontiac Firebird Formula
Talk about anti-climactic—the Camaro followed its prototype defeat with a production-ready . . . defeat. The Mustang trounced the IROC-Z yet again, as did the Pontiac Firebird. Ouch.
1993: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 vs. Pontiac Firebird Formula, Ford Mustang Cobra
When the Camaro was redesigned for 1993, Chevrolet went a little nuts with the Z28 version, adding an optional package that included a 150-mph speedometer, shorter rear-end gearing, and Z-rated performance tires. So naturally, we went a little nuts, too, and tossed the hot Z28 into a blood match with the Ford Mustang Cobra and the Pontiac Firebird Formula.
1993: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 vs. Pontiac Firebird Formula, Ford Mustang Cobra
It could be argued that, at least against the Mustang, the Camaro was bound to win this comparison test. After all, by 1993, the Mustang still had the same basic styling and structure it had in 1979. It was old. But the Firebird Formula posed more of a threat, and not the least because it was essentially the same as the Camaro. In the end, however . . .
1994: Ford Mustang GT vs. Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Just one year passed in the early ‘90s before we pitted the Camaro Z28 against the Mustang again, but this time, the Mustang was the newer car. Significantly redesigned for 1994, albeit with the same ancient Fox-platform bones, the Mustang was ready for a new fight. READ THE FULL STORY >>
1994: Ford Mustang GT vs. Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Having just dispatched the Mustang Cobra in a comparison test one year prior, the Camaro Z28 was riding high. After meeting the ’94 Mustang, it was riding even higher. In terms of power, the 275-hp Chevy absolutely crushed the 215-hp Mustang (yeah, that was the V-8 Mustang in 1994); in terms of everything else, well, the Camaro took those contests, too.
1994: Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. Ford Mustang V-6
Attached to our 1994 Camaro-vs.-Mustang test was a showdown among the V-6–powered versions of each car. As always, the high-output muscle coupes received the most attention, but their less-powerful brethren often end up in more driveways.
1994: Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. Ford Mustang V-6
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: If a car offers a V-8, what excuse do you have to not get the burlier engine? Today, increasingly sophisticated and powerful turbocharged fours and V-6s have made their way into the Mustang and the Camaro and are viable V-8 alternatives. But in 1994? Not so much. (Oh, and the Camaro won this showdown, too.)
1995: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS vs. Ford Mustang Cobra, Pontiac Firebird Formula WS6
In the Camaro Z28’s third run-in with the Mustang in the 1990s, it once again faced down a Cobra, but also was joined by the nearly identical Pontiac Firebird WS6. But this was no ordinary Z28—it was the SS, with 305 horsepower and a sweet-ass hood snorkel.
1995: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS vs. Ford Mustang Cobra, Pontiac Firebird Formula WS6
Impressively, the SS posted a 4.9-second zero-to-60-mph time, which in 1995 was solidly in Corvette ZR-1 territory. We complained about the loud exhaust and the stiff suspension, but be it on a road course, the drag strip, or a fast road, the SS was a machine in its element, and it won this test.
1999: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 vs. Ford Mustang GT
In spite of meeting a second significantly updated Mustang within the same decade, the fourth-generation Camaro nonetheless held its ground. Even with a significant power boost, the 1998 Ford Mustang GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 only made 260 horsepower, way down on the Camaro Z28’s 305 ponies. READ THE FULL STORY >>
1999: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 vs. Ford Mustang GT
The Camaro managed to brush off the Mustang for a third time in as many showdowns, but even our testers were beginning to lose interest. The Camaro was getting old, and shortcomings that were easily overlooked in 1993 were starting to wear thin. Even so, the 305-hp, Corvette-derived 5.7-liter LT1 V-8 cured many ills—and smacked down the Mustang in terms of performance.
1999: Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. Ford Mustang V-6
Just as we did when the 1994 Mustang came knocking at the Camaro’s door, we also paired up the six-cylinder base models of both cars. READ THE FULL STORY >>
1999: Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. Ford Mustang V-6
Unlike the previous V-6-on-V-6 Mustang/Camaro meeting, this time, the renewed Mustang took the crown from the aging Camaro. It helped that the Mustang's engine, down 10 horsepower on the Camaro's, had less weight to drag around, and thus won the benchmark drag race. We also deemed the six-cylinder Mustang more fun to drive.
1999: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS convertible vs. Ford SVT Mustang Cobra convertible, Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am convertible
In the (production) Camaro’s last comparison-test appearance in Car and Driver’s pages before a decade-long hibernation, it again faced down a Mustang and a Firebird. Feeling frisky, we gathered all three V-8–powered examples in droptop guise, albeit in their highest-output variations: SS, Cobra, and Trans Am. READ THE FULL STORY >>
1999: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS convertible vs. Ford SVT Mustang Cobra convertible, Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am convertible
The Camaro won this comparison test—and then it went into a 10-year slumber before reawakening as the fifth-generation model.
2000: Chevrolet ZL-1 Camaro vs. Ford Boss Mustang
Remember that bit about the Camaro going away? Well, before it did, we got one last Camaro-vs.-Mustang showdown, but it wasn't with factory rides. Instead, we pitted Ford and GM's skunkworks cars against one another. This one was fun. READ THE FULL STORY >>
2000: Chevrolet ZL-1 Camaro vs. Ford Boss Mustang
After the mother of all drag-strip sparring, plus a road-course element, this Camaro-vs.-Mustang duel ended in a draw, both cars wounded from the effects of, well, moving under their own immense power.
2009: Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. Dodge Challenger R/T, Ford Mustang GT
All hail the Camaro’s return! Not keen to let the Chevy off easy for its decade-long nap, we tossed the 2010 Camaro SS into a three-way comparison test with its longtime rival the Ford Mustang GT, as well as the Dodge Challenger R/T. READ THE FULL STORY >>
2009: Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. Dodge Challenger R/T, Ford Mustang GT
The Camaro’s return proved bittersweet, as it narrowly beat the big, heavy Dodge, but ultimately lost to the more athletic Mustang GT.
2010: Lingenfelter Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. Roush Ford Mustang Stage 3
It was only a matter of time. With a new Camaro and a relatively fresh Mustang both hitting American roads around the same time, the aftermarket was there with upgrades to elevate the Ford/Chevy rivalry to new extremes, as always. We pitted a Lingenfelter-tuned Camaro SS against a Roush-charged Mustang in a high-horsepower title fight. You know, for science. READ THE FULL STORY >>
2010: Lingenfelter Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. Roush Ford Mustang Stage 3
Truer words were never spoken: “We are not ranking them here as we do usually because that struck us as meaningless—if you’re a dedicated Chevy guy, nothing is going to convince you to go out and spend twice the money for a modified Mustang. Still, driving the two back-to-back was illuminating.”
2010: Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Just one year after the Camaro returned to the market as a 2010 model following a long absence, Ford decided its comparison-test win over the latest Camaro SS wasn’t safe enough. The solution? Stuff an all-new, 5.0-liter V-8 dubbed “Coyote” into the existing Mustang for 2011. This, people, is the stuff of rematches. READ THE FULL STORY >>
2010: Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Did you really think that the unchanged Camaro SS would somehow overcome all odds and beat the (improved) Mustang?
2010: Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. Ford Mustang V-6
While the weapons-grade Mustang and Camaro were duking it out with eight cylinders, we yet again threw the cars’ V-6–powered counterparts at one another. Only this time, with both cars’ V-6s producing respectable power, the base-car comparison test was far from sidebar material. READ THE FULL STORY >>
2010: Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. Ford Mustang V-6
Both packed more than 300 horsepower, but the Mustang proved more captivating and captured the win.
2011: What to Drive for $35K - Camaro Convertible vs. Mustang Convertible
What to drive for $35,000? (Say it without the “thousand” at the end and it sounds catchier.) That’s the question we posed in our August 2011 issue. We explored top-runners in most every vehicle segment, including convertibles, where again the Camaro found itself squaring off against the Mustang. Our price cap limited both cars to their entry-level V-6s, but when both came sporting more than 300 horses, that was no bad thing. READ THE FULL STORY >>
What to Drive for $35K: Camaro Convertible vs. Mustang Convertible
What was a bad thing, at least for the Camaro, is that, inevitably, it lost yet another tête-à-tête to its nemesis. Some consolation could be found in the fact that this wasn't a full-bore Car and Driver comparo.
2012: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
With the mainstream six- and eight-cylinder Camaros having been handily beaten by the older Mustang in several comparison tests, it would appear as though Chevy did some soul-searching. The result? The 580-hp Camaro ZL1, a supercharged do-it-all beast. And guess what? Ford drops the 662-hp Shelby GT500. But the ZL1 was ready. READ THE FULL STORY >>
2012: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Even with its power deficit relative to the Mustang, the Camaro ZL1 took home the top prize, mostly because it did everything well. The burly Mustang, on the other hand, was somewhat hairy to drive quickly, and it didn’t seem to enjoy track driving nearly as much.
2014: Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE vs. Ford Mustang GT, Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
As a horsepower war continues to re-escalate between Detroit’s Big Three, the availability of more muscle-car variants has expanded. Enter the “in-betweeners,” the hot rides between the regular V-8–powered Camaros, Mustangs, and Challengers and their fire-breathing, meth-addled range-toppers such as the Z/28, Shelby GT500, and SRT Hellcat.
Chevrolet’s entry, the Camaro SS 1LE, constituted an SS with a GM Performance Catalog’s worth of performance parts thrown at the brakes and suspension, turning the slightly heavy coupe into a formidable track car. It faced down the brand-new Mustang GT and the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack.
2014: Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE vs. Ford Mustang GT, Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Spoiler alert: The Camaro yet again falls to its archrival, the Mustang, even in spite of the Ford’s utter lack of performance bolt-ons. (Being brand new, the Mustang was simply a GT model with the optional handling kit; it wasn’t exactly a track animal like the Chevy.) The overweight Dodge once again trailed its Ford and Chevy counterparts.
With the all-new, sixth-generation Camaro on the scene, however, you can bet more comparison tests are already brewing—and that we're as excited as you are to see how they'll turn out.
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