Chevrolet Camaro SS vs Ford Mustang Bullitt

Chevrolet-Camaro-SS-vs-Ford-Mustang-Bullitt

 

Today's world feels naturally predisposed to pit the titans of their field against each other, whether it be superheroes, heavyweight contenders, or even sports cars. There's something about placing the best against each other that can get your motor revving.

When it comes to a battle of Camaro vs. Mustang, two sports cars whose legacies define the American sports car, the competition is intense. There are those whose loyalty to Mustangs will leave them clinging to their side of the fight. But in a head-to-head comparison, the Camaro's a sure competitor.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's look at the tape to declare a victor.

 

Camaro-vs-Mustang-Price-Comparison

 

Camaro vs Mustang Price Comparison


When it comes to picking a better sports car, some will look at a variety of factors. They'll look under the hood, compare engines, take each car for a test drive to see how it feels to sit behind the wheel. Maybe they'll take a look at the sticker stats and scope out each car's fuel economy, safety factors, and horsepower.

However, some only need one metric to decide which automobile will end up residing in their garage. The Mustang and Camaro are both moderately priced sports cars whose various options cast a wide range of potential total costs.

Looking at the Mustang, their baseline model, the EcoBoost 2-door Fastback, has an MSRP of $26,395. Their midrange model, the GT 2-door Fastback, will set you back nearly another $10,000 with an MSRP of $35,355. The high-end Mustang, the Bullitt 2-Door Fastback, has a suggested price of $46,595.

The Camaro is similarly priced, albeit with more options, including a racetrack-ready option that outpaces the Mustang Bullitt when it comes to power and price. The baseline 1LS 2-door Coupe comes in at slightly less than its Camaro counterpart at an even $25,000.

The LT models, which come in both coupe and convertible styles, range in price from $25,500 for the coupe to the more extravagant 3LT convertible, which clocks in at $37,000.

Moving to the Camaro's higher-end models, the 1SS 2-door coupe also comes with a suggested retail price of $37,000. The SS convertible comes in at $48,000. Meanwhile, the racetrack-ready Camaro ZL1 offers high-end racing needs in both a coupe ($62,000 MSRP) and convertible ($68,000).

 

Camaro-vs-Mustang-Engine-Comparison

 

Camaro vs Mustang Engine Comparison


Without an engine, an automobile is essentially a massive wagon with an excellent sound system. So, to define a sports car is to talk about its engine.

As both the Mustang and Camaro comes in multiple options, we need to compare apples to apples and not compare the engine of what's essentially a race car, the ZL1, with a baseline model, like the Mustang's Ecoboost Fastback.

With that said, the battle of what's underneath the hood will see the Camaro SS vs. Mustang GT.

There are similarities between these two sports cars. Both have 10-speed automatic transmissions with overdrive and auto-manual. If you prefer, you can also get both vehicles with a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Further, both automobiles come with rear-wheel drive.

When it comes to the engine, specifically, there are differences, albeit subtle ones. The Mustang GT comes with a 460 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine. It's also essential to note that the high-end Mustang Bullitt offers a comparable 5.0-liter engine that kicks in 480 horsepower.

On the other side, the Camaro SS's engine is a 6.2-liter V-8 that provides 455 horsepower. With similar power, the Mustang and Camaro will hit similar top speeds (The Mustang tops out at 163 MPH, with the Camaro capable of hitting 166 MPH). However, the increased torque of the Camaro's engine means it'll reach those top speeds quicker than the Mustang.

 

Camaro-vs-Mustang-Fuel-Economy-Comparison

 

Camaro vs Mustang Fuel Economy Comparison


This is a different time in the history of automobiles, especially sports cars. When previously the primary metrics for performance were measured in horsepower, torque, and displacement, today there's an essential need for fuel-efficiency. While a sports car will never reach the high miles-per-gallon ratios of a hybrid or otherwise green vehicle, there can still be a disparity between various models.

Looking at Ford first, the baseline EcoBoost Fastback offers 25 miles per gallon (all measurements here will be combined highway and city) and the EcoBoost Convertible 23 MPG. The midrange GT models will provide 20 MPG, except for the convertible, which comes in slightly lower at 19 MPG. The Mustang Bullitt hits 18 MPG.

For the Camaro, the baseline LS Coupe kicks in 23 MPG. The next level, LT also provides 23 MPG. The high-end SS models come in at 19 MPG, and the ZL1 race car offers 16 MPG. Essentially, the Camaro matches the Mustang when it comes to fuel economy, except for the ZL1, whose performance outclasses any Mustang offers.

 

Which-is-More-Reliable,-the-Mustang-or-the-Camaro

 

Which is More Reliable, the Mustang or the Camaro


No one goes to the race track to watch the pit stops. So, it's essential that when you purchase your brand-new sports car, you know your only stops will be at red lights and your destination.

When looking at dependability and reliability, it's also essential to look at a neutral source that's able to test each automobile in similar environments. Without this, a reliability rating leans towards opinion rather than fact.

U.S. News is one of the premier automobile reviewers due to its in-depth research, pledge of independence, and knowledgeable fact-checkers. In their deep dive of 2019 American sports cars, they give the same ratings to both the Mustang and Camaro: a three out of five for reliability.

In looking at other aspects of reliability and dependability, like safety and performance, U.S. News also gives similar scores to the Mustangs and Camaro: both score in the high eights in safety and performance.

 

Standard-and-Optional-Accessories

 

Standard and Optional Accessories


If you're going to get a sports car, it's better to dive in than dip your toe in the water. With that, looking at the accessory package for each vehicle may help decide which one is best for you and your needs.

The Camaro and Mustang offer some similar standard options:

  • Adjustable steering wheel
  • Alarm
  • Back-up camera
  • Cruise control
  • Electrochromic rearview mirrors
  • Heated steering wheel and mirrors
  • Keyless entry and start
  • Power mirrors
  • Power steering
  • Rear parking aid


However, the Mustang goes beyond that with some features that aren't offered with Camaros, like built-in anti-theft systems, fog lamps, and auto-off headlights. There are also some nifty accessories like a trip computer and a universal garage door opener, each of which comes standard.

The Camaro also has some tricks up its sleeve. A projected heads-up display provides necessary dashboard information within the driver's line-of-sight, so you can always keep your eyes on the road. The Camaro also edges out the Mustang with its remote options, included a standard remote trunk release and options remote engine start.

Some standard Camaro features only come optional on the Mustang, including mirror memory, which provides preset positions based on the driver.

 

Camaro-vs-Mustang-Interior-Comparison

 

Camaro vs Mustang Interior Comparison


Both the Mustang and the Camaro are designed to howl the open road and quicken the pulse of those driving it. Neither car is built to be a regular transportation device for a family of four with daily roundtrip excursions to school, soccer practice, or family vacations. While each vehicle comes with four seats, those seats are generally designed for short term comfort, not long-term relaxation.

That said, it overstates the case to say there's no comfort or luxury in the design of both vehicles. Indeed, comfort, style, and technologically-forward dashboards are built to improve the driving pleasure of those behind the wheel.

The Mustang's interior leans toward the simple. Analog gauges add a touch of the retro, while a 12-inch digital gauge cluster adds interesting customizations for the tech-savvy driver. The gauge cluster will adjust depending on your driving mode, making the interior feel modern without losing the tactile joy of a real muscle car.

Compared to the Mustang, the Camaro's interior feels more luxurious with an emphasis on modern cockpit design. The instrumentation is clear, intuitive, and placed on the dashboard in a way that doesn't obstruct driving. Large air vents with just-as-large dial controls add a touch of the nostalgic, retro-feel without overdoing it.

The Camaro also offers a lower seating position as compared to the Mustang and touches of comfort, like heated seats. Advanced technological and safety features, like cross-traffic alerts, also give the Camaro those extra notes of luxury.

 

Camaro-vs-Mustang-Exterior-Comparison

 

Camaro vs Mustang Exterior Comparison


One of the reasons to purchase a sports car is to turn heads. Whether it's from the deep growl of the engine or the sleek, muscular exterior, sports cars are intended to entice and spark pangs of jealousy.

Because of this, both the Mustang and Camaro have undergone major exterior updates in recent years to bring their design into a new era, while maintaining the iconic styles that made each model famous.

As mentioned throughout their comparisons, the Mustang and Camaro are available as either coupes or convertibles. Additionally, the dimensions of their models are mostly the same.

The Mustang, as with their interior, leans a little more into the familiar by keeping the same looking body shape as yesteryear. Its body remains readily identifiable as a Mustang, with a retro back side that includes modern touches like sequential turn signals.

Bold, bright headlights give an aggressive face to the Mustang, while the hexagonal grille offers another bit of the familiar.

The Camaro again leans toward the modern end of the design spectrum. However, its rear haunches and tail lamp design still spark notes of the classic Camaro design. With a muscular, angular design, and a broad front face, the Camaro demonstrates how a muscle car in 2019 should look.

Test Drive a 2019 Camaro Today


In the battle of the 2019 Camaro vs. Mustang, the Camaro edges out the competition. But you don't have to take our word for it; you can make the comparison by scheduling a test drive today.

At Valley Chevy, we're excited to serve the Phoenix-area. Each of our dealerships offers knowledgeable, friendly, customer-focused associates to help you find the car of your dreams.

We prioritize service and value, so whether you're from Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, or anywhere in-between, we're ready to partner with you and answer any questions you may have about the Chevy driving experience.

When you're ready to do your comparison shopping, make sure to schedule a test drive today. You'll be able to find your nearest Phoenix area Chevrolet dealership here or by emailing [email protected]. You may find that once you get in a Camaro, you'll never want to get out.