2020 Ford Mustang vs. 2020 Chevrolet Camaro
“Should I get a 2020 Chevy Camaro or a 2020 Ford Mustang?” It’s a question we hear all the time. Both of these new vehicles do right by their legendary heritages, which can make it hard to choose between the two great American sports cars. These vehicles have been competing against each other since the 1960s, and the competition continues into 2020. Some things never change.
While some aspects of these coupes have been modified and upgraded through the years, both of them still deserve a place in any conversation about high-performance American cars. The competition between the Mustang and the Camaro is fierce, and most people have already chosen one camp or the other.
If you’re still on the fence, though, we can see why you’d want to do some research before you decide which track-worthy monster you want to drive. Compare them across a few key categories to see which of these historic vehicles makes for a better choice now in 2020.
Mustang Vs. Camaro Performance Comparison
When you’re comparing vehicles like these, performance is almost sure to be one of your top criteria. One of the biggest areas in which the Camaro separates itself as a top option is that it gives drivers more choices when it comes to performance. The 2020 Mustang is only available with a four-cylinder engine and an eight-cylinder engine. The 2020 Camaro, on the other hand, offers a V6 engine as an option between those two tiers.
Ford got rid of the V6 engine for the Mustang some years back and replaced it with a turbocharged four-cylinder inline engine. If you want to get more muscle than a four-cylinder engine can achieve, you’ll have to upgrade all the way to a V8. The best engine for the 2020 Mustang is undeniably impressive, as the turbocharged 5.2-liter V8 churns out 760 horsepower. Unfortunately, though, you’ll have to go with the GT500 model if you want to harness all of that power.
These two vehicles, for the most part, offer both a manual and an automatic transmission at every trim level. The one exception to this is the Mustang GT500 which is only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The powertrain options are fairly consistent across these two vehicles. The real difference comes into play when you start considering your engine options.
The 2020 Camaro does a better job of giving drivers options at any trim level. There’s a turbocharged four-cylinder inline engine, a very capable V6, and two impressive V8 engines. The engine you choose will ultimately have a big impact on the performance of either the Ford Mustang or the Chevy Camaro, so it helps to consider all of the available options carefully. Here’s a look at your choices across both vehicles:
2020 Ford Mustang Engine Options
â—ŹÂ Â Â 2.3-Liter EcoBoost Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Inline Engine
- 310 Horsepower
- 350 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 21 Miles Per Gallon City
- 31 Miles Per Gallon Highway
â—ŹÂ Â Â 5.0-Liter Coyote V8 Engine
- 460 Horsepower
- 410 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 15 Miles Per Gallon City
- 25 Miles Per Gallon Highway
â—ŹÂ Â Â 5.2-Liter Voodoo V8 Engine
- 526 Horsepower
- 429 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 14 Miles Per Gallon City
- 21 Miles Per Gallon Highway
â—ŹÂ Â Â 5.2-Liter Supercharged V8 Engine
- 760 Horsepower
- 625 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 12 Miles Per Gallon City
- 18 Miles Per Gallon Highway
- Only Available in GT500
2020 Chevy Camaro Engine Options
â—ŹÂ Â Â 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Inline Engine
- 275 Horsepower
- 295 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 22 Miles Per Gallon City
- 31 Miles Per Gallon Highway
â—ŹÂ Â Â 3.6-Liter V6 Engine
- 335 Horsepower
- 284 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 19 Miles Per Gallon City
- 29 Miles Per Gallon Highway
â—ŹÂ Â Â 6.2-Liter LT1 V8 Engine
- 455 Horsepower
- 455 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 16 Miles Per Gallon City
- 27 Miles Per Gallon Highway
â—ŹÂ Â Â 6.2-Liter Supercharged LT4 V8 Engine
- 650 Horsepower
- 650 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 14 Miles Per Gallon City
- 20 Miles Per Gallon Highway
The Ford Mustang’s horsepower maxes out at a lower level than the 2020 Camaro’s unless you get the GT500 model. All other configurations of the 2020 Mustang fall short of the Camaro. The Camaro also offers significantly more variety thanks to the inclusion of a V6 engine, which the Mustang lacks. Chevy Camaro engines are also known for providing more torque and achieving a slightly better fuel economy. All things considered, the 2020 Camaro finishes ahead of the Mustang when it comes to performance.
Interior Comparison for Ford Mustang Vs. Chevy Camaro
You shouldn’t have to ride in a cramped cockpit just because you want your vehicle to perform well, and both of these vehicles leverage some nice features to create a comfortable interior. Both of these vehicles seat four passengers in most configurations, but the back seats in both vehicles are admittedly a little bit small if you plan on putting two adults back there for any sort of extended outing. The driver and front-seat passenger can ride comfortably in either vehicle.
The 2020 Mustang seems to be a little bit more inspired by history on the interior, while the Camaro is more modern. The Mustang nods to the 1960s with a loud logo on the steering wheel and metal touches throughout the interior. The Camaro moves on from the circular stylistic elements of yesteryear and completes a stylish interior with more angular shapes.
The Camaro uses a classic mechanical gauge cluster where everything is in just the right place to make it easy to use. The Mustang goes with a digital gauge cluster at higher trim levels. The Mustang’s cabin feels slightly more spacious, while the Camaro’s feels sleeker and sportier. The Mustang allows the driver and front-seat passenger to forget that they’re in a sports car, but we’re just not sure why you’d want to forget that.
Technology Comparison for 2020 Mustang Vs. 2020 Camaro
Both of these vehicles come with state of the art infotainment systems. Both vehicles are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can even get a 4G LTE connection with a monthly subscription if you want to turn your car into a WiFi hotspot and stay connected no matter where you go. Ford’s latest infotainment technology is known as SYNC 3, while the Camaro comes with the Chevy Infotainment 3 system and Chevy MyLink technology. It’s hard to find a discernable advantage for either vehicle as far as infotainment since they both offer some of the best technology available in the automotive world, giving them plenty of brains to go with all that brawn.
Both vehicles also have some special software just for your time at the track. The 2020 Mustang comes with a system called Track Apps which provides data about acceleration, lap times, and G forces. The Camaro’s Performance Data Recorder is even more innovative. This cutting edge system connects with a camera on the front of the vehicle, and can record video of your outing overlaid with some stats that sync to the video.
The Camaro’s superior performance technology shows the vehicle’s speed, steering angle, engine RPM, G force, and even more information to go with the clear video from the camera. While the 2020 Camaro and 2020 Mustang are similar in terms of infotainment, the Camaro gets an overall advantage thanks to its sophisticated performance tracking technology.
Safety and Reliability Comparison: Chevy Camaro Vs. Ford Mustang
Neither one of these vehicles earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but that isn’t very unusual for cars in this class. Both perform acceptably in crash testing, which offers some level of comfort considering the speeds both vehicles can achieve. The 2020 Camaro and 2020 Mustang both expand upon their safety by leveraging modern technology to help drivers stay secure on the road. You can find the following active safety features in both vehicles:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts
The Mustang does also include lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams, while the 2020 Chevy Camaro counts on drivers to manage those aspects of the driving experience for themselves. Both vehicles offer the same warranties: three years or 36,000 miles plus five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. While the warranties are the same, Chevrolet has been making a name for itself by producing cars that are exceptionally dependable.
Exterior Comparison for Camaro Vs. Mustang
While performance is often a top criterion for cars in this class, appearance is also an important part of the consideration for most drivers. Both of these vehicles have touches of retro design that speak to their long histories of delighting drivers on and off the track. The Mustang is a little bit taller and uses softer curves, which gives it somewhat of a round appearance. The somewhat angular grille and headlights help a little bit, but it still doesn’t look nearly as sharp as the 2020 Camaro. The Mustang’s rear taillights include three-part progressive turn signals, which are interesting even if they are somewhat at odds with a classic design.
The Camaro’s aesthetic is sharper, using tighter angles and more decisive lines. This appearance somehow makes it look both classic and delightfully modern all at the same time. The spoiler springs off of a flat back, which itself sits between back wheels where the body extends to make this vehicle look even more like an arrow. A body-color bar completes the look at the front grille, where the headlights are small enough to leave ample room for the intimidating air vents which feed lots of oxygen to the engine. The Camaro is shorter, which certainly contributes to its aerodynamics and also makes this car look bolder.
Price Comparison for 2020 Camaro Vs. 2020 Mustang
Even for all of the technology, style and performance options that draw so many people to the Camaro, it’s still available at a more accessible price than the Mustang. The 2020 Camaro starts at only $25,000 while the 2020 Mustang has a starting price of $26,670. If you want to consider the V8 options, you can get a Camaro for about $34,000. The V8 Mustang is still more expensive at $35,630. The GT500 is the only type of Mustang with an engine that can compete with the Chevy 6.2-Liter Supercharged LT4 V8 engine, and that one will cost about $100,000 once you choose available options. Just about any way you slice it, the 2020 Camaro is more affordable than the 2020 Mustang.
Conclusion: Should I Get a Camaro or Mustang?
In just about every category we’ve considered, the 2020 Camaro is better than the 2020 Mustang. The only exception that comes to mind is that the Mustang offers about three more active safety features. We’re not sure that’s nearly enough to make up for important things like performance, appearance, and price. To be fair, these cars are close together in many categories, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that the Camaro can outclass the Mustang on so many fronts.
You can also get a drop-top Camaro even at high trim levels, while the highest-performing Mustang options (the GT350 and GT500) don’t give drivers a choice to lose the roof. Consider that the top of the line Camaro ZL1 offers superior performance to even the GT350, and it seems like Chevrolet put more thought into what they’re offering for drivers who want the best performance. While everyone will ultimately make the decision based on personal preferences like which car speaks more to them, we’re ready to call the 2020 Camaro the clear winner.
Test Drive 2020 Camaro Arizona
As with all other great works of art, words can’t do the 2020 Camaro justice. You’ll just have to see it for yourself, and the best way to do that is by visiting your nearest Valley Chevy dealer.
Our knowledgeable staff will be able to walk you through all of the options for the new Camaro, showing you all of the bells and whistles. Best of all, you can take this superior driving machine out to experience the performance it gives every time it hits the road. Stop by for a test drive today or contact us to set up an appointment.
