Here is a group of panoramic cut-together images of the Camaro and Challenger to illustrate the visibility in each. I've also thrown in our old BMW 135i, as well as a Mercedes E550 and Aston Martin DBS. It's not exactly an exact science here -- I was doing it by hand rather than tripod -- but it gives a vague idea of what you see when sitting in one of these cars.
A good way of determining the front view is to look at the gap between the mirror and the top of the dash. Also, check out the rear quarter view on the right side.
The Camaro
The Challenger
The BMW 135i
The Mercedes-Benz E550. Look ma, no B pillars!
The Aston Martin DBS. Different local obviously and crap lighting, but I thought you'd like to see it anyway to see how the Camaro and Challenger stack up to one of the best super cars in terms of visibility.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
sabastian says:
10:14 AM, 10/ 9/09
Cool post, James. That was pretty effective/creative way to show off the differences in visibility between the cars. Any chance of doing a panoramic shot from the 370Z's cockpit?
jeepsrt says:
10:26 AM, 10/ 9/09
Nice post, really shows the difference from the Camaro to the Challenger, especially the top of the windshield.
dougtheeng says:
10:41 AM, 10/ 9/09
The wndshield visibility surprised me the most on the Camaro. Other then that, its very similar to the Challenger - just shorter windows. The position of the side mirrors so close to the body of the Camaro also hinders forward visibility. The Challenger side mirrors are on 'stalks' off of the door and leave more space between the mirror and a-pillar.
hybris says:
12:17 PM, 10/ 9/09
I'd say the Challenger is just a bit better visibility wise but the Camaro is livable. Can we get some shots of a 2010 Mustang just so we have full line up of muscle car visibility?
1487 says:
12:27 PM, 10/ 9/09
I thought the Challenger would be better since such a big deal has bene made about the Camaro. Its only slightly better. The ASton is a car I was thinking of that offers similar limited visibility to the Camaro.
doug:
Perhaps thats why the Vette has its mirrors on the doors as well. I hate that look though.
bodyblue says:
12:35 PM, 10/ 9/09
The side windows in the Dodge are much larger. I have sat in and driven the Camaro and it totally sucks for visiblity, period. It is much worse than the Challenger. If feels like driving a tank.....the dark hole and ugly interior really ruined it for me. Drove fine, but the rest of it is just plain bad.
questionlp says:
01:31 PM, 10/ 9/09
Can we get something like this and/or a rear-seat headroom shot of the S5?
dougtheeng says:
01:51 PM, 10/ 9/09
"Perhaps thats why the Vette has its mirrors on the doors as well. I hate that look though. "
Agreed 1487. It looks goofy, especially on the Civic. I prefer the style on the camaro.
brn says:
02:15 PM, 10/ 9/09
I'm glad to see attention being paid to visibility. It's no secret that this is a pet peeve of mine, concerning most new car designs.
brn says:
02:17 PM, 10/ 9/09
IL Web Guys: I hit "Preview Comment" and it posted my comment above.
Looks like you still have some work to do on the new forums.
stovt001 says:
09:09 PM, 10/ 9/09
The BMW clearly benefits from its large, upright greenhouse. It may not have the sleekest shape, but it is practical. No surprises there. I think this does prove my point that the Camaro's visibility isn't nearly as bad as its made out to be. Compromised? Yes, but still in line with other similar coupes.
norsairius says:
10:25 PM, 10/ 9/09
I think it'd be useful if you did this for every car you guys reviewed. Maybe have a standard setup with certain objects around the cars in a spot in an open lot or something? That may help for comparing visibility, to see which cars make it easier to see certain objects, etc. I think it'd be nice to include this in all of your car reviews. Something that you don't really see much. Viewing areas and visibility may be discussed rather commonly in written reviews of cars, but how many people actually offer panoramic shots that demonstrate the visibility so well for the reader?
petworthian says:
06:03 PM, 10/10/09
I recently had a rental Camaro. Backing out of a parking space or changing lanes on the freeway were complete acts of faith. Cool car, but the outward visibility was the worst I have every experienced.
sabastian says:
06:29 PM, 10/11/09
"I recently had a rental Camaro."
Where from? It seems I can't even get close to driving one. Most dealers are keeping a closer watch on them than a father keeps on a teenage daughter!
rlg86 says:
09:26 AM, 10/12/09
Excellent post. I have dogged Riswick many times on his posts in the past, but lately they have been much better; more facts then opinion, less Opinion then serach for the facts to support it. He must be hanging around with Dan Edminds more and less with Sadlier & Macgrath... ;-)