 2009 Muscle Car Challenge at Calabogie Motorsports Park. Click image to enlarge |
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Fall Muscle Car Challenge
Calabogie, Ontario — Camaro SS vs Challenger R/T vs Mustang GT: most readers know that all the big U.S. publications have done it, as have all the TV shows, magazines and web sites. They all have their winner and their loser and they all have different reasons for their choices. So why bother doing something just to be another “me too”? Let’s be honest here: given the opportunity of a few hours on a racetrack with free reign of three of the most influential cars in the history of the American automobile, who the heck WOULDN’T want to do this test?
This challenge fell into place rather quickly: Paul Williams, Senior Editor at CanadianDriver, sent me an e-mail mentioning that he and Managing Editor, Grant Yoxon were in possession of a Camaro SS and a Challenger R/T for a series they were doing called Made in Canada.
It couldn’t have been more than a few seconds after my phone buzzed with Paul’s e-mail that the right side of my brain started to really stir and e-mails started flying in an attempt to put together the ultimate in comparison tests for 2009, the “Fall Muscle Car Challenge.”
 2009 Muscle Car Challenge at Calabogie Motorsports Park. Click image to enlarge |
One problem though – the lack of a Mustang! Fortunately, it just so happens the President of Kanata Ford (near Ottawa) not only sells cars but also loves everything about them. It didn’t take much convincing for him to make a 2010 Ford Mustang GT with Track Pack available for the test. Heck, he pretty much volunteered the car before the request was even made!
The location was the key: to do this comparison, a venue was required that would allow these cars to really push the limits of handling and braking. Ottawa is lucky that it has a world-class racetrack facility only an hour away, known as Calabogie Motorsports Park (CMP). The track’s owners not only agreed to the use of their incredible track, but were extremely accommodating and friendly. Designed by world-renowned race track designer Alan Wilson, this 5.05-km road course features 20 turns, two long straights, 65 feet of elevation change and beautiful scenery — not that you really have time to look while driving!
In no particular order, the three competitors for this challenge are: the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, weighing in at 1,746 kg (3,849 lbs), producing 426 hp and 420 lb.-ft of torque with a power-to-weight ratio of 9 lb/hp and a price-tag of $44,865. The Dodge Challenger R/T weighs in at 1,832 kg (4,041 lbs), has 376 hp and 410 lb.-ft of torque with a power-to-weight ratio of 10.7 lb/hp and a price tag of $43,470; and the Ford Mustang GT with factory Track Pack, which weighs 1,602 kg (3,533 lbs), produces 315 hp and 325 lb.-ft of torque with a power-to-weight ratio of 11.2 lb/hp and a price tag of $43,349.
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at 10:20 am
All three are winners in my books. For me personally, it would be a toss up between the Challenger and Camaro.
at 10:50 am
Of course it would. Because you can’t admit that the Mustang is the clear winner in the arena of aesthetics.
at 11:01 am
yeah I agree – tough call – it comes down to whether you like chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. A 400hp 2011 mustang though would be the clear winner for me; too bad its pushing $40k now – so much for cheap thrills.
at 11:14 am
@ Tim…I’ll give you that, but aesthetics aren’t the deal breaker for me else I would not be in a Charger.
at 11:29 am
Challenger, fat pig. camaro, better but hideous.
Mustang…well, I gotta admit..I love it..and it’s a freaking DOMESTIC!
Only driven Toyota’s and then Honda’s..I think I might buy my first domestic.
Hands down, kudo’s to Ford!
at 11:40 am
All 3 are great cars, just different in purpose. The Challenger is beautiful, but is more of a modern day 80s Monte Carlo…a roomy, sporty, cruiser.
For my tates, the Mustang is the home run, with a tidy package and great driving dynamics. The upcoming 400HP Coyote V8 will make it a killer.
The Camaro seems half baked…the looks are too toy-like and the interior is a disaster. The power is great, but it still can’t beat the Mustang’s track time.
at 11:42 am
@ChargerGuy… I actually don’t mind the charger, but I hate the spoilers they put on the car, and I can’t stand the wheels so many people put on them. It’s really too bad all these cars are $50,000 after taxes, freight, etc.. as that’s way outside the ballpark of a fun second car for me. And for a lot of people. That will kick you in the butt to the tune of $800-1000 for 5 years plus insurance, gas, etc.
at 12:48 pm
I’d love to say one of the Canadian assembled models was best but Ford got it right this time. They’re all nice but the Ford is better made, has better overall pricing, a convertible option, more aftermarket parts available, if you don’t want to burn out $500 a pop 20″ wheels you don’t have to, probably better in the winter and the Ford will still be around longer than the Camaro or Charger.
The Camaro died once before and will again.
The Charger died once before and will again.
The Ford has never missed a model year since launch and is a true icon and not JUST a marketing car. You can tell there’s a whole department in charge of Mustang alone and the others are afterthoughts within a division. The Mustang makes money for dealers and the factory. Ford started the pony car and deserves its success. The Charger & Camaro also look like bulky sedans with 2 less doors whereas the Ford looks like it was always meant to be a smaller, leaner 2 door for a bachelor, student or retiree to track, commute in or boulevard cruise. The others; garage & ArmorAll Tire shine queens or rentals.
A Audi S4 buddy also noted to me that there’s less shame being seen in a V6 Mustang whereas a V6 Camaro or Charger driver would just looks like they’re ‘trying’ too hard to fit into a trend. I agree. Ford wins.
at 12:51 pm
Almost forgot…. Ford made money.
The only major U.S. automaker not to file for bankruptcy this year earned $997 million, or 29 cents a share, compared to a loss of $161 million, or 7 cents a share on that basis a year earlier.
at 2:16 pm
How about CdnDrvr do a second comparo, but this time on public streets and highways were most people will drive them? Lots of articles on the track but I wonder how much of a factor the live axle on the Mustang vs the IRS of the Camaro would be for real world driveability, especially in the GTA?
They should conduct the comparo by: 1.) going through a Tim Horton’s Drive-Thru (although I HATE drive-thrus), 2.) boulevard cruise through a trendy street with a passenger that counts all of the looks and head turns, 3.) parallel park on said street, presumably to grab a pint, er coffee, 4.) highway run, 5.) rural/back road/cottage country cruise.
at 2:21 pm
I’d have to disagree on being seen in a V-6 Mustang…the V-6 Camaro has almost as much power as the current V-8 Stang…plus you can’t tell by looking, whereas with a Mustang, you KNOW the guy cheaped out and got a weak arse 6 (I would assume a girl would pick a V-6 90% of the time so I can understand if a girl is driving one – it’s assumed it’s a V-6). Next year will definitely be better in both ways for the Stang. I think I read it was getting closer to 300 hp in the V-6 model too, and then that 5.0 with 400 ponies…oh yeah…I want.
But…as said, couldn’t afford one new if I wanted. Bought a brand new loaded 89 5.0 LX back in 88 as a teenager ($18g). Not sure how the heck someone who’s only 18 working his first job at barely over minimum can afford a new $40,000 car. Minimum wage is up, but I duobt it would compensate for the price difference. Ah well…maybe when my kids are all grown up and out of the house.
at 2:31 pm
“The Mustang is quiet on the road as well, but you do get more engine noise piped to the interior”
Could it be because the engines music is actually piped in to the cabin? I wonder sometimes if you guys know this stuff, or are just plainly the luckiest SOB’s on the planet and get to drive it all. The envy of us all. Or was that just a ploy to see who was paying attention?
“The smallest of the three cars on the outside, the Mustang does not feel as cramped as the Camaro on the inside.”
Uh – that’s because the Mustang is bigger on the inside than the Camaro…at least from what I’ve read elsewhere.
at 3:56 pm
Yes the Mustang engine is piped to the interior… that’s why it was mentioned, no accident
at 4:37 pm
I’d say every “pony” car here is a winner. Like CD says, brand loyalty is and will always be there.
Agree with Roy….A real “road” test would make interesting reading. And a question to CD Staff and all here….Any word (or whisper) on a new version of a Bullit mustang? “)
at 6:07 pm
Can’t see any of these cars parked on my drive way.In a past lifetime I drove a 69 Z/28 and drag raced a RPO ZL-1 Camaro – both great cars at the time, but that time has passed IMO. Todays pony cars are a dead end and really have no future. Buy a preowned “certified” BMW M3 and get a world class real car.
at 6:16 pm
@Tim – Yea I’m not big on the spoilers. I don’t have one myself nor will ever put one on. $50K is for new SRT8 Chargers…You can pick up used R/T’s for $18-20K here in BC. Not bad for a 5.7L Hemi.
at 6:41 pm
@ChargerGuy
Great point re:used R/T…never BUY a new car
at 7:08 pm
hughugley…I used to say the same thing. That’s why when we were young, old Mustangs were cheap, as was everything else. I personally passed on a restored 67 fastback in white, with blue stripes (my dream car if ever was one – among the hundred or so cars on my want list), built engine with close to 450 hp…for $5g because I thought it was too much. Or the 61 Impala bubble top for $4500…or the Jag V12, you know the old racey convertible…for under $5000, or the 69 Camaro Pace Car that was up in Lac Du Bonnet for $5500 (or something) all because they were too much and would NEVER be worth anything in the future. Never mind 5l Mustangs. I sold mine for a little over $5g after 4-5 years…they command (ask?)more now. I wouldn’t pay it ’cause they’re never going to be worth anything in the future – you can quote me if you’d like, I think they’re ugly and worthless. Guess we’ll see what another 10-20 years will really do for them. Surely can’t be worth what today’s Mustang will be in 20-30 years…or will they?
We can wax nostalgia all day long, truth is, instead of that $19000 68 Firebird I’ve been lusting after in town for the last 3 years (still can’t sell it – hmmm, too much perhaps??), a newer “muscle car” is better on gas, safer, faster, more comfortable (air con?), and in 20 years when I’m sixty, probably still capable of hauling my lard around without making my head hurt from the droning and hard ride.
I still love ‘em all…always will.
at 7:33 pm
Dale you must not have been around all of the years the mustang was in production. In the 70’s it was a restyled for Pinto with a brtish v6 as an engine offering. GM kept the f bodied and brought out the vega based Monza to compete with the pinto stang. Yes the name was around, ( but not really as it was called Mustang II. If it were not for GM keeping the F bodies and putting the v8 in the Monza , the Ford today would have disappeared and be replaced with the Probe as was planned in the 80’s. Today if it were not for the new Camaro and Challenger , Ford would not have spent a cent on the stang . While it may be a decent car its , really long in the tooth with solid rear axle and dated v6 in the lesser models. The Chevy is tight on interior space, but has the style and technoloy for today, modern v6, 6 speed trns , independanr susp and great style. If I were in the market it would get my bucks. As for the mopar, it looks like the old challenger , but is size and performance say Cordoba.
at 7:54 pm
I agree that the Mustang is the clear winner. I had an 02 GT. Loved the machine. Then I got married. A buddy of mine on our wedding day put a for sale sign on the car that said “For sale, got married”. Never thought it would happen. Less than 4 months later, it was gone. As much as I loved it in 02, the difference between then and ‘10 is like night and day. If I ever took one out for a test drive, I would never be able to afford one after the alimony payments. Yes dear… coming….. got to go. Sighhhh!
at 7:56 pm
@ Kirk
#1) No red blooded ponycar fan would drive a car named after a gynecological procedure and 1/2 Mazda
#2) Good points but too many “would have’s” and “could have’s” mean nothing in carland. It was still called a Mustang throughout and it never went off the books for Ford. Also, I think had it NOT been for the Mustang, there wouldn’t be a new Charger or Camaro (not the other way around). Credit where it’s due never hurt. By the same token, all these 3 models need each other to bring out the best in each other, but in today’s price conscious world, I don’t see all 3 of the domestic 3 making big V8’s much longer. V6’s with blowers yes. Displacement, no. These will be the last of a breed.
at 8:22 pm
Does anybody know if a hybrid version of either cars is in the works?
at 8:13 am
A hybrid muscle car? Are you serious? My guess is no.
at 9:14 am
All 3 of these really come down to taste. It’s not like you’re going to be driving all 3 of these back to back on a daily basis, and noticing where each one of them is inferior. They’re all better in some category over the other. The Challenger is suppossed to be the most comfortable. The Camaro the fastest and a good compromise between comfort and handling, and the Mustang with Track Pack is the best handling and has the nicest interior. But what I can’t believe is that this many Pony car fans are that picky about the interiors of these cars. Who cares? I’ve seen and been in all 3 and even the worst of them is still decent. I can’t remember anyone even mentioning what the interiors of a 69 or 70 Challenger, Camaro or Mustang looked like, because it doesn’t matter. It’s the outside that sells and keeps it a classic.
at 3:57 pm
It has been reported that Dodge will be bringing to market a hybrid version of the Challanger called the ElectroCharger. With Chevy bringing out the Volt,I don’t see a hybrid Camaro any time soon.
at 6:51 pm
Mustang: old technology and old look.
Camaro: ugly inside and out.
And since nobody buys these cars to race on the track, and you can’t race on the street, Challenger wins based on looks and everyday driving….
at 11:35 pm
Nice try Sun Tzu…not. Coming from the 6th century BC, I doubt you’d have any insight into what the auto makers are doing.
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Electrocharger
at 10:52 am
All this automobiles are irrelevant, they will not bring any of the detroit brands out of their financial disaster stauts. As a taxpayer, we disapprove of Detroit using taxpayer bailout money to continue to make cars from the past, not cars for the future. Shame, shame, shame….