2009 Dodge Challenger R/T: Challenge

I don't know. I would like to drive either (and the 2011 Mustang, especially if the rumors about the new one with a respectable engine are true).

The Challenger is the better long range cruiser and the Camaro is for just looking good on a night on the town.

But the Mustang is still king of all the retro-muscle.

Not to be pedantic .. but the Challenger has 376 hp, not 372.

As for the cars, the Challenger looks better (not your example though!), and the Camaro has HUGE power for little money ... but I'd still rather have the MUSTANG GT!

I forgot about the Challenger way before the Camaro came to the fleet. I completely understand why the Challenger is interesting to many, however I don't find it interesting at all as its simply too big, too heavy and doesn't offer anywhere near the level of feedback and response that fits with my driving style.

If I wanted a large car, with more utility, much better dynamics and a large big torque V8, Id simply purchase a Pontiac G8 GT or a G8 GXP.

Between the Mustang GT TP, Camaro SS and Challenger R/T. Id have to go with the Mustang GT TP as its proven to be the drivers car of the bunch. It may produce less power vs the SS and R/T but its chassis dynamics certainly make up for that. If a 400hp 5.0L 32V V8 and IRS were part of that package it would certainly seal the deal even tighter.

If the rumored engine upgrades for 2011 are true, I'd take the Mustang in a heartbeat. Lower cost, more technology (SYNC rocks), and just the fact that I trust Ford more than GM and Chrysler in their current states would all equate into that.

Not to mention the fact that it's a lot smaller and more nimble.

I want to like both of them. I also wanted to like the Mustang. But I guess I'm more of a sports car guy. I want better steering feel, a better driving position, better sight angles, better balance and more precise handling.

No offense to the muscle car crowd--Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger are all very nice looking vehicles, very muscular-looking, with a lot of personality and charisma. But if I have $30-35k to spend on a car strictly for fun, I'll go for slightly used 1-series, or maybe a G37.

Challenger, Mustang and Camaro in that order but I would also include the Genesis Coupe if I were looking for a 2-door.

The more I look at the Camaro the more hideous it gets....the Dodge is too big but it has classic good looks, not gimmicks. I am not sure there is a better big GT car than the Challenger. I am more of a Mustang person but I would consider the Challenger if I was back out on the road for my job. If you want to drive a cartoon in a movie, go for the Chevy.

Its a tough call. I love the styling on both cars. Both have great presence.

I really like the Rambler Marlin best of all. It has a fastback, so that makes is faster.

Camaro. I like the looks, I like the price (without markups), and I like ride/handling balance.

Didn't Chrysler announce they were offering Plum Crazy Purple as a color for the Challenger next year?

That would be so awesome. There's no way anyone could take you seriously. You'd either be constantly embarrassed or always giggling. It'd be like giant version of a Hot Wheels car with heat sensitive paint.

I dont get why people are so enamored with the styling of the Challenger. It stands out, but its not a beautiful car. The Chevy and Ford look much better. One thing I dont like about the Mustang are some of the wheel designs. The 19s with the track pack are OK but the rest of the designs are mediocre. I do love the 20s on the Challenger.

Someone mentioned a G37- problem is you need the current model to get a decent interior and ytou arent going to find any used 2008s on the market yet. If you want the luxury features found in the G37 the Camaro isn't even an option since it lacks nav, memory, push button start etc.

bodyblue said it perfect.

1487

FYI - AutoTrader lists 29 '08 G37 coupes within a 100 mile radius of Orange County, CA., 20 of those are within a 50 mile radius.

The Mustang is the only current ponycar that I could actually see myself buying. That said, I don't think any of the three are bad cars; the Mustang is just a better fit for me. I'm still thinking about finding a clean 2008-2009 Bullitt to replace the MS3.

Dear Mr DeRosa,

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to vote for our preferred car.

I'd like to cast my vote in support of the Chevy Camaro.

Could you please also list carrying capacities for both cars? I need a manure hauler soon! As you know, I grow roses. Video of you loading manure on both cars would also be most welcome.

Thank you!

The Dodge just looks fantastic on the road. I have to say, the faithfulness to the retro muscle concept really paid off. It has a very cool vibe to it.
It isn't the performer that the other muscle cars are but somehow I don't care. It's okay with the Challenger.
The only thing that I don't like is the immense size, wishing it was shrunk 20% in every dimension.

The Camaro is great. I love the styling but wish they could improve the steering wheel (the visibility doesn't bother me) There isn't much to complain about with that V8.
It's odd I've seen a lot of Challengers around Socal but not one Camaro yet.

The Mustang is the most practical and appeals on that level. The easiest to live with and drive musclecar.
But it's also the most anonymous and plain jane.
I can't get over the feeling that if I want a practical sportscar, there are many sedans that fit the bill better than the Mustang for $35K.
Mustang hits on most counts except for sex appeal but in this company, I think it matters a lot more than you think.

brian:

What is the cost of those cars? The G37 looks good, but not as good as the Camaro and it can't keep up with the Camaro or Mustang GT with its V6. Not to mention those juvenile civic like sounds coming from its exhaust.

I found 9 within 30 miles and they ranged from $33k-$38k which is barely cheaper than new. Its a compelling alternative if you like the Vq's soundtrack I suppose. I don't consider Infiniti enough of a luxury car to buy one for the same price as a new car from a "lesser" brand.

It looks like Mustang votes outweight Challenger or Camaro votes by about 3-to-1. Throw my vote in the Mustang hat too.

But if the Challenger and the Camaro were the only two available vehicles on the planet... I guess I'd pick the Challenger.

I know I would be happy with either one, but I do like the exterior styling of the Camaro a little more. I would probably be just as happy with the Mustang GT, but I would wait until the new 5.0 engine comes out with ~400hp, hopefully next year.

They're both American, they both have terrible interiors, they're not Subarus, so I'll take neither. But the Camaro has better exterior styling.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why the Mustang is going to dominate the sales yet again.

For cruising the freeways and looking bad ass I'd choose the Challenger.

For enjoying winding back roads and murdering the guy wanting to race you in his tuner Civic Si I'd choose the Camaro.

For commuting around town and enjoying a summer afternoon I'd choose a Convertible Mustang GT.

God I wish they made a Challenger Convertible.

"And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why the Mustang is going to dominate the sales yet again."

when is that going to start? Camaro has been ahead for last 2-3 months and there aren't even any in stock at dealers. I think it will be a while before Mustang gets back to #1, if it even happens. Remember, Chevy has barely advertised the car and no incentives are necessary. If sales slack they can slap on a $1k rebate to boost interest.

If I had to buy an american muscle car - I'd go for the 'stang. But if I had my druthers - I'd dream for the Prowler to gain a manual tranny & a boosted V6. The styling of the prowler was truly bar-none. These muscle cars aren't quite as edgy as the prowler (though the prowler didn't have a manual or enough go).

"when is that going to start? Camaro has been ahead for last 2-3 months and there aren't even any in stock at dealers. I think it will be a while before Mustang gets back to #1, if it even happens. Remember, Chevy has barely advertised the car and no incentives are necessary. If sales slack they can slap on a $1k rebate to boost interest. "

Pretty soon. Your thinking has just as much weight on reality as anyone else's except that the Mustang's sales are backed up by the 40+ year history. People don't gravitate towards extremes (which the Challenger and the Camaro clearly are) but instead choose the best of both words and the Mustang is exactly it. Plus a 1K rebate is pretty laughable considering these cars go for 33+K. And again, the incentives will not change the reason people choose not to buy the Camaro and go with the stang instead. Finally, I don't know where you live but I've seen nothing but camaro ads on the roads, popular websites and TV.

btw, the year to date sales figures for these two cars:

Mustang: 46,763

Camaro: 31,190.

stingray454,
Check out the latest issue of Hemmings Sport and Exotic Car magazine. A friend of mine writes a column for it every monthly, and this month he talks about Corvettes, particularly the ones he saw at the Nevada Open Road Challenge(where I was supposed to be his driver, until real life intruded :( ) It's on the last page of the magazine.

They're both pretty awesome.

The Camaro has a few flattering angles but the Dodge is all-around vehicular pornography.

I love the challenger when compared to the camaro. The camaro just seems to try too hard to appeal to everyone (musclecar lovers, ricer lovers, practical minded shoppers, etc) while the challenger strikes me as a more loving homage to its roots. I'd still take the 'stang over either due to it being the real deal (engineered and made in the US like a musclecar should be), but the challenger tugs my heartstrings too.

Back when I was looking for my first car everyone had one of three cars: a Camaro, Mustang or Cutlass (circa 1990). My friends dad took me to a Mopar car show I knew what I had to have. I found myself a 74 Barracuda and my dad and I spent 6 months on body and paint. I was the only one on the street on the weekends. This summer we went to my wife's class reunion, the most asked question - "What happened to the car?" (I still have it.)

I can understand why people like the Mustang and the Camaro, both good looking cars - but for me its the Challenger all the way. And if I'm the only one on the road with one, well that's fine with me too. I don't mind standing out in a crowd.

DCuerpoJr I agree I would love a drop top, but I have given up hope on that.

"w, the year to date sales figures for these two cars:

Mustang: 46,763

Camaro: 31,190."

Uh, the Mustang has been on sales sinc January, while the Chvey showed up in April or May. do you think that could explain the lead by Ford?

"Finally, I don't know where you live but I've seen nothing but camaro ads on the roads, popular websites and TV."

Gm only had ONE ad for the Camaro around the time transformers was out. It hasn't been shown since. Print ads have been all but nonexistent. I have seen ZERO Camaro billboards and no local dealer ads for the car. I understand you are a Mustang fan and I like the car but don't make things up to prove your point. GM has spent almost nothing on TV or print ads for the car. Online banner ads are the only thing out there right now.

"I dont get why people are so enamored with the styling of the Challenger."

1487, Im unsure myself as its actually a bit bland. Other than its sheer size I really dont see anything intimidating about its styling.

As for the Mustangs styling, I absolutely hated the 2005-09 Mustang as it looked seriously dated right off the bat. I know its retro but it looked old as in aged. The 2010 refresh is excellent as its a good blend of retro and modern. However, I cant seem to make myself like the rear of the car as there is no aggression there at all.

The Camaro. I love the proportions of the car but like the Challenger there is something in the C-pillar area that just isn't right. I cant place what it is but its there. Also, like the Challenger, its a bit slab sided and has little detail on the side. Overall its a great looking design that isn't quite finished. Its missing something.