OT: Talking Cars Tuesday - Modern Muscle
There was an interesting bit of car-news from Q1, in that the Dodge Challenger (an 11 year old model on a 15+ year old platform) sold more vehicles in Q1 than the Chevy Camaro (a 3-4 year old model that just had a refresh). Of course, the Ford Mustang is still the modern American Muscle King, selling more than either of the other two main contenders. This got me to thinking.
For today's Talking Cars Tuesday which are you taking? Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger? Which version? Why? For the purposes of this internet discussion, let's say that you are getting car X magically for free and at 0 cost. Magically your garage will have an extra spot to fit this car. Also magically, you'll only pay for the same equivalent $$ in gas as if you were using your regular vehicle - same with insurance, maintenance, and yadda yadda. And let's say you can still have your regular vehicle, so this is a purely "when you want to drive it" magical question.
So - would you go Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger? Or is there a better option for you in the "Modern Muscle" realm? Let's keep it to new cars, but legit competitors. You think the ancient 370Z is better? Sure... But let's not act like your dream Ferrari fits this discussion.
I leased a GTI back in '07. I loved the 6 speed manual. But, it's a little more expensive and I want to continue to lease and keep a payment under $250/month. I'll have to give the Golf a whirl, thanks for the rec.
I like the new Mazda 3 drive, but it lacks a bit on power. I wish they made a turbo version like they do for the 6. I might also try the Camry SE and Accord Sport with the 1.6 T to keep cost down, but keep the nicer/larger car. But, ultimately if I want both I'll have to accept a higher cost.
If a different option includes Corvette, then that would be my choice. I've got an '18 Z06 and the car is a beast. If good old American muscle is your thing, 650 HP and 650 ft. lbs of torque in a relatively light vehicle is a lot of fun to drive, police and Michigan potholes notwithstanding.
It's just not a muscle car though. It's built to take on the 911, so at the least it's a sports car, with the top end models squarely challenging super cars.
The Cadillac CTS-V will destroy all challengers.
Any car that is automatic only should be eliminated
GT350 hands down. I drove a 2016 GT350 as my daily driver (including a baby seat), but sold it when I moved back to Chicago. I really didn't want to deal with 2 cars in addition to my race car, so I swapped it for a Focus RS. The RS is no where near what the 350 was, but it's stick and I can drive it in the snow and beat it up on the Chicago streets.
Yes, the challenger is faster in a straight line and the ZL1 is faster overall. But the engine in the GT350 is amazing and pushes it over the top. Just as you hit 6k and think you should be shifting, the engine is just starting to scream. I've had a lot of fun cars: Viper RT/10 and GTS, 911, Supra Turbo, E36 and E90 M3, Grand Cherokee SRT (tow vehicle), etc... and none of them were as much fun or as exciting as the GT350. Also, the challenger platform is really limited by tire width and the camaro platform provides less visibility than a tank.
My pops just bought a 2019 bullitt, Its a really nice car. I probably would have gone with a GT 350
Count me as firmly in the Mustang camp. Love both of mine.
The mustang is king to me.
The thing I don't like is the fake exhaust sound the new muscle cars make. It's candy-ass shit.
Easy choice for me, Challenger/Charger. Being taller than average I would not have a real good time inside either the Camaro or the Mustang, even though I like both of them.
Charger SuperBee is the best car I’ve owned in recent memory. Seating for 4 or 5. A full size rocket-ship that embarrasses most comers. Amazing fit and finish. Unbelievably intuitive and easy infotainment system including all the track measurables within the software. “Launch control” which does exactly what it sounds like it does. Close second is the SRT JGC which is better over rough pavement.
Ford lines look great but the interior is like a go-cart finish, especially as you move up the chain of performance.
Camaro isn’t reliable. And the interior is even more spartan than the Ford.
Best combo of performance, near luxury, technology, and looks is the charger.
I really wish they would offer a manual on the Charger. It seems like it would be easy to bring it over from the Challenger.
I’d take the Camaro ZL1 1LE. Check out the YouTube videos of that car at Nürburgring.
That car smokes all of the above at the track. It also beats the corvette and a lot of the big money sports cars (great value!).
If it were an everyday driving car I’d probably opt for just the ZL1 package.
The video is cool. I highly recommend watching it!!
Been a Mustang guy for years so I'm going with the Mustang. If its factory I'm going with a GT350R. If aftermarket companies are included then I may go with a Roush Stage 3.
On the other 2 cars, I've always tried to like th Camaro but it just seems too cheaply made back in the day and now the visibility out of the cockpit is horrible. They are fast though and always have been. So my runner up would be the Challenger which is nice looking car still, but man are they heavy compared to a Mustang.
Mustang. The stang's longevity and engineering are unequaled IMO. I used to be a GM muscle car guy but after having driven a cousin's 2018 GT on a closed course, I'm sold. Also, that whole GM bailout and handling of the dealers and investments really soured me on that company. If the Hellcat and Demon Challengers continue they might swing me over.
Tesla 3 Performance Package. $55K, AWD, & 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. It's faster than the Hellcat Redeye that has 797HP.
If you are paying anything near $45K, why get any other car? It's also made in Cali.
April 30th, 2019 at 11:06 PM ^
I'd assume most of us would like to know when we're getting our cars, and not just trust that at some point in the future the car will be built in a tent by overworked employees working in dangerous conditions.
I know 5 people with the 3, including my brother. The Tesla is made in California, the state with the strictest employment laws. Get some facts before bashing a car that you don’t know anything about.
My neighbor drove his C from NY to Michigan and back (through Canada), so fueling up isn’t an issue either.
Wondered if this would get mentioned. I have a Model 3 AWD and it will hang with or beat most muscle cars on the road everyday. The performance Model 3 will beat pretty much all versions of the muscle cars. I have owned BMW M3, Jaguar XJR, LS6 swapped BMW, Ford Raptor, the "regular" Model 3 is a better and faster car than all of them.
I feel you, but fast and silent isn't fun (for me).
My friend with a GT350 offered to make a recording for me to play in my car :)
I hate the Challenger with a passion. Really, I hate just about any Dodge vehicle but the Challenger holds a special level of disdain. It's bulky, heavy, has a fat ass and is stupid looking (insert Rosie O'Donnell joke?).
Mustang is fast and fun but has terrible brakes and iffy steering, especially at high speed.
Haven't driven a Camaro in a while so by default I'll take that one.
Prefer my sports cars to be of the 2-seater variety. I'd take the base model Corvette over any of the upper-tier versions of the cars listed above. Easy choice.
I bought my garage queen last year. 2018 Ford Mustang GT PP2 with 401A, magneride suspension and active exhaust. I prefer American muscle over European. I was born and raised Mustang lover (minus mid to late 70's). 1300 miles so far and I absolutely love it!
The Charger is a boat and Camaro, well it's a Chevy. I think both should produce better rwhp and torque than they do with those engines and displacements.