By the Numbers: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

Come on, these are muscle cars first, sports cars second. Its not about power-to-weight or slalom speeds, its about muscle and style. Looks like ford has a big lead in muscle for now (though it needs to be supercharged to do it). Looking forward to 2009!

MT magazine already ran the lighter, more powerful 2008 GT500 against the heavier, less powerful Challenger SRT8, and the Challnager held its own well enough to win the comparo. THe mustang was only something like .3 seconds faster. I'd bet the Mustang wouldn't have a chance with the Comaro SS-let alone Z28.

I wish they were lighter too but remember, the 60's originals of these cars weren't lightweights either. If you added the options people feel are manditory these days, the 60's version would have weighed more then the new ones.

I think the new ones are great but I'm not sure enough buyers will think so.

The Camaro and the Challenger look so similar in profile. Did GM and Chrysler join forces or something?

I second the notion of the Challenger and Camaro being fraternal twins. They have the exact same C pillar and coke bottle kink. They also have such tiny slitty windows (a la XJS). I don't like either of them in side profile.

Personally, I think the Mustang looks the best. I would never buy one of the top end V8s, I'd be more than happy with a Mustang GT or a Challenger R/T. I don't like the Camaro one iota. It still has that gold-chain-IROC-Jersey rap to it. I also don't think it's that great looking. (I know, I know ... I'm wrong). And what's with those puny reverse light right in the middle of the ear bumper?

i really like the GT500 treatment... at first i was upset with how the mustang turned out, but the GT500 looks fine to me. just a shame about the price... $44k + ridiculous dealer mark-up goes a mighty long way...

Muscle cars were heavy because they have solid steel frames with iron block engines. These have specially designed chasses with aluminum blocks. Yet these weigh as much as 1K lbs more than their predecessors. In fact, they weigh several hundred pounds more than each company's biggest sedan.

Not to take anything away here, but the Rousch Mustang would have been much more appropriate.

Pricewise, I understand that these are "collectors' items," but the Challenger is obscene. The Shelby's price is understandable since it's a special edition and the Camaro is very competitive with the Nissan 370Z.

Its funny how I mostly hate the Challenger in photos, but in real life I absolutely love it. That side profile makes it look hideous.

I think out of those photos, the Mustang looks the best. That being said, the interior would have to be infinitely better then the existing model if I was to ever consider buying one.

I'm curious to see the Camaro in real life.

i want to see mustang gt vs camaro ss vs challenger r/t and then i will be satisfied

Even though it's better, the Mustang still looks so plain in profile, and the Challenger looks huge and overweight. I think the Comaro is the best looker here, for combining today's style with retro cues. I'd bet it will have the performance to back those first place looks up against the other two.

estreka,

Dodge Charger weighs more than the Challenger.

Mustang's price is just ridiculous. How many shelbys have they sold last year? I wonder...

Go Challenger. All the way.

In real life it's truly Challenger R/T vs Mustang GT vs Camaro SS. And you know who's going to win?

Mustang of course. Because more people think it's handsome, it sounds right, and nobody cares about the handling. Did I mention 3K cheaper than the next most expensive Challenger?

Just wait and see, in 3 years the Camaro will take GTO's path and if Chrysler survives that long, so will the Challenger. As for us - we'll be driving Mustang V6 convertible rentals in Hawaii...

First car was a '68 Firebird, and I've never been a Mustang guy, but for me, this is GT500 all the way. I've heard a few Challengers on the street, and the note is to die for, but then so's the GT500's. I've loved the new Stangs since the S197's release, and by all accounts, this gen is much better.

Btw, a coworker has a GT500, and he paid sticker... I think the gouging ceased just a few months after their release (at least around here; DC Metro). Not terribly common, but I've seen a handful.

Given that I prefer driving cars with "that balance" Id have to opt for the Camaro SS as other cars from that platform (CTS) have been impressive from a handling perspective. Given the Camaro is lighter and more performance oriented vs the CTS gives me a good idea of what to expect. The Camaro seems to offer the best all around performance of the 3.

Ive never driven a Mustang that was impressive from a chassis standpoint and the "new" one doesnt spark any interests as there is still that big heavy (more powerful) lump in the nose.

The Challenger is too physically too BIG for me to be even remotely sporting, HEMI or not.

The Camaro SS actually starts at $30,992. Unlike the Mustang it can actually turn, and unlike the Challenger (from what I hear from people who have driven the Camaro) it doesn't feel like you're sitting in a land yacht. I haven't had a chance to sit in the Camaro yet, but I sat in the Challenger and it felt larger and bulkier than my 1970 Cutlass. It was simply awful. And lets not forget the last Shelby GT500 was absolutely destroyed by an STI in an Edmunds comparison test. Camaro wins this one hands down.

These will be the first cars the "Car Czar" forces the automakers to kill off. In the mean time, I can't wait to see these on the stret!!! I wonder if there will be a 5.0 liter, 302 ci Z-28 in the plans!!!