IL Track Tested: 2010 Camaro V6 vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8

It's become a strange world when a Camaro has to prove itself to a Hyundai.

nice comparo and interesting notes on the V6 Camaro.

I have a question- as an enthusiast buyer, what is the better buy?
V6 or V8 Camaro?
Would you guys drive the lighter V6 (and associated better mpg's) and spend a few grand on beefing up the HP with aftermarket bits or is the V8 truly a bargain for what you get in comparison?

It seems wrong to consider a V6 muscle car but if it can be made to hang serious with the SS for a lot less cash, it would be the smart buy.

brn--This isn't the first time the Camaro had to prove itself. (OK, maybe not performance-wise, but buyer-wise.)

In the 80s, it went up against the Celica and Supra.
In the 90s, it was the Prelude, GT3000, and Eclipse.

How is another Asian brand any different?

One of the best Win-Win comparos. You can't go wrong with either and both offer the best bang for the buck in the V6 segment.

cruiserhead: if power is on your mod list, get the V8. IF aftermarket exists for the V6, there is no guarantee it will be any good. if a 14.2 sec 1/4 mile is fast enough for you (and it should be for most people), then get the V6. if you are like me, you'll opt for the V8 and wait for a Vortech Supercharger and Corsa exhaust to come out for it so you can finally be happy.

Why on earth would I even consider a rental Hyundai over a Camero?

ronvpr: tell me where you would find a Hyundai Genesis Coupe as a rental car and i will gladly give you $1000.

Also, why on earth would you even consider buying a car in the first place without testing it, or even knowing how to spell the name of the car you want???

Both cars are great and both have their pros and cons... an interesting piece of trivia: the Genesis Coupe was designed by an American (Eric Stoddard) and the Camaro was designed by a Korean (Sang Yup Lee).

ronvpr: tell me where you would find a Hyundai Genesis Coupe as a rental car and i will gladly give you $1000.

Also, why on earth would you even consider buying a car in the first place without testing it, or even knowing how to spell the name of the car you want???

Both cars are great and both have their pros and cons... an interesting piece of trivia: the Genesis Coupe was designed by an American (Eric Stoddard) and the Camaro was designed by a Korean (Sang Yup Lee).

ronvpr: just like someone would consider a rental camaro over a hyundai. dont just judge a car by its manufacturer.

"Why on earth would I even consider a rental Hyundai over a Camero? "

'Cause you wouldn't have your head up your own butt. BTW, it's CAMARO. With an "a".

ronvpr - For the record, I've had many more Chevy rentals than Hyundai rentals in the past - and I travel quite a bit.

This is encouraging! While it is somewhat taboo, I would consider a V6 Camaro, especially with the upmarket CTS engine. However, the only reason for this would be to hit a lower price point. Chevy has done a remarkable job with squeezing respectable (relatively) EPA numbers from their large V8's, and the Camaro's LS V8 is a prime example of this - the V6 really doesn't offer appreciably better performance in mileage.

These prices also do not factor in the inevitable incentives that follow both brands, so we'll see who offers to stuff more cash back into customer's wallets.

I wonder which one will last longer, will do better in a crash, will have better reliability, and will have better resale?
Actually, I know the answer to that.
I think even those who like the Hyundai know the answer too.

The Genesis Coupe V6 starts at: $25,750 with shipping.
The Camaro V6 starts at: $22,995 with shipping.

Holy shiiiit how did Chevrolet get a 304 hp V6, RWD all in $23k?
Even a FWD midsized family sedan 270 hp V6 costs $25k.
I think we'll be seeing lots of Camaros everywhere...

The Camaro is 300+ lbs heavier, and gets the same performance.
The performance limiting factor here would be tire size then. If the Genesis Coupe came with big fat tires like the Camaro, it would probably perform better.
...But it doesn't come with them so ha sux to be the Genesis.

I want to see a full on test between the Camaro and teh Genesis Coupe (and maybe the G37 and 370Z too).

I mean, anyone who has been following the Camaro knew it would beat out it's muscle cars competition. It's smaller, lighter, and more powerful than the Challenger, and more power with a much more sophisticated architecture than the Mustang.

I want to see a full on test pitting the Camaro against other coupes.

Wow, you get a lot of bang for your buck with either car. The Camaro looks better, IMO, and has much better hardware (better engine, better chassis and structure, better durability, etc.). What is truly amazing is that the Hyundai is significantly more expensive. Hyundai was ALWAYS cheaper than the competition, now they're more expensive!

Wow, you get a lot of bang for your buck with either car. The Camaro looks better, IMO, and has much better hardware (better engine, better chassis and structure, better durability, etc.). What is truly amazing is that the Hyundai is significantly more expensive. Hyundai was ALWAYS cheaper than the competition, now they're more expensive!

"One of the best Win-Win comparos. You can't go wrong with either and both offer the best bang for the buck in the V6 segment."

I agree. If I was in the market for a new car, it would be a tough choice. I hope in a few years when I am in the market, both these vehicles are still on sale.

Wow, you get a lot of bang for your buck with either car. The Camaro looks better, IMO, and has much better hardware (better engine, better chassis and structure, better durability, etc.). What is truly amazing is that the Hyundai is significantly more expensive. Hyundai was ALWAYS cheaper than the competition, now they're more expensive!

I know this is heresy, but since both vehicles seem to have issues with manual shifting, why not test V6-automatic versions while you're at it?

Sorry for the triple posts - the server was apparently taking a crap while I was hitting submit.

WOW what a matchup! You can't go wrong with either one.

thatguyuknow: "...Genesis Coupe was designed by an American (Eric Stoddard) and the Camaro was designed by a Korean (Sang Yup Lee)."

DAMN! That's interesting.

I agree with billt9. Those tires on the Genesis are a bit slim. I'd be interested to see how a set of wide tires affects it's performance.

Having been thru several economic ups and downs, along with gas prices and emission standards, we are blessed to have the wonderful choices we have. Cameros, Mustangs, Dodges, Genesis, G37s, IS350s, MazdaSpeeds, EVO's, STI's, etc. It's a good time, I hope it's not to late and they are all still around in a couple of years.

All I can say is WOW, as GM really revolutionized the Camaro without diluting its original mission or disrespecting its heritage.

I'm really impressed with the Camaro's entry price (considering its modern drive train and output) as well as its increased all around performance. Great performance for the money and more importantly, it CLEARLY sets new standard for the (base) sports coupe segment. Ford has A LOT of work to do!

Hyundai also should be commended as they've really delivered some unexpected products.

P.S. This is the approach GM should have taken with the base Solstice as that kind of execution would have made a decent car a great car, and a worthy Miata competitor. Low power shouldn't equate to lack of refinement or lack of eagerness.

The much heavier G37 has similar sized tires as the Genesis. Both cars seem great and I doubt you can go wrong with either. But as others have said, the hardware on the Chevy seems to be of a slightly higher standard. Anyone who has driven GM's HF V6 knows that it is a torque monster and the Direct Injection only helps (even though the peak is 5200 if you look at the curve, it's really broad and flat across a wide range). The interiors of both cars leave my cold though but for the money, you can't really be too mad.

If I were to get a camaro automatic, I'd get the V6. I wanted a stick then I'd get the V8. The V8's L99 is a truck engine as is the G8 GT's meaning you get a lower redline and less vocal soundtrack. The SS manual gets a true LS3 with a 6600 rpm redline and a full V8 concerto which is addicting.

"brn--This isn't the first time the Camaro had to prove itself. (OK, maybe not performance-wise, but buyer-wise.)

In the 80s, it went up against the Celica and Supra.
In the 90s, it was the Prelude, GT3000, and Eclipse.

How is another Asian brand any different?"

Altima Dude,

Sorry, but the 80's-90's Camaro/Firebird didn't really compete with any of the cars you listed.

In the 80's the Camaro (the 3rd gen car from '82 on, not the tail end 2nd gen) was much cheaper than the Supra and aimed at a completely different demographic than either the Supra or Celica. The only Celica that could compete performance wise with the Camaro/Firebird was GT-S Turbo All Trac, and no self respecting pony car buyer would have cross shopped a Toyota in those days.

The Prelude also was never a direct competitor. The Gen 2 Prelude didn't offer enough power, and the Gen 3 VTEC isn't comparable to the 5.7L Tuned Port and Ram Air Camaros and Firebirds.

The Mitsu's were also targeted to different buyers. The GT3000 was (with the 300ZX) going after the 'Vette. The Eclipse was much smaller, and again you just didn't get much cross shopping between the american V8 crowd and the Japanese Turbo 4/6 crowd.

I don't think that the Genesis coupe plays to the same audience as the Camaro. The Camaro/Mustang/Challenger just aren't sports coupes.

No doubt about it the 2010 Camaro V6 1LT RS is the clear choice.

My only concern is both cars have summer not all season tires and in Chicago winters these tires will not do.

altimadude writes: "How is another Asian brand any different?"

Do you really think all Asian brands are, and always have been, the same? Same go for Chery?

It's funny how my sideways complement to Hyundai's progress drew criticism.

I have never heard that a Korean designed the new Camaro. I attended a conference 3 years ago, and the speakers were GM designers Brian Smith and Tom Peters. Both of these gentlemen had a hand in the design, although Tom Peters was the main designer. So, can someone clarify the actual design input from the Korean fellow?

A lot of conclusions! All I can say that Hyundai did a whole lot of research to target this particular market of RWD 2 door coupe. GM had the components already at Skyppy Country (AUSTRALIA). As you know when you lower the ball in pricing for a deal to good to be true you get .... quality materials. This is a wait and see.

I haven't driven either one, but if I'm planning on any seriously fast driving I'd like to be able to see clearly what's around me in all directions. The Hyundai gets points for that.

Perhaps the difference in price is the interior? I am sorry, but the camaro interior was junk when I saw it at the car show. The inside door skins were one piece of light weight plastic. Push on it slightly and it flexes with ease. I love some of the new products GM is coming out with... but was shocked to see that the Camaro has a cheaper interior than a Cobalt. What the hell? I was really looking fwd to this car but it feels like it is disposable, IMO.

Good for GM for giving the base Camaro 300+HP. That is a far cry from the old 2.8L/3.4L/3.8L cars of old.

That being said, there is simply NO way that I would buy a Camaro without its biggest selling point, that Monsterous V8. As quick as the base car is, it is the BASE car. The first question anyone will ask you is "is that the V8"?. NO thanks.

I love the style of the Genesis Coupe..LOVE it. No question between these two, hands down its the Gen Coupe. Now if we were comparing the two base cars to each other (Gen 2.OT vs Camaro V6) then in that case I would probably pick the Camaro for the HP gain.

BTW anyone that thinks Chevy has better "quality, durability" hasn't driven a late-model Hyundai. These cars are several notches above what the domestics are giving us, at least Chevy.

Who cares if the designer was of Korean descent? Last I checked, we lived in America. All races, all creeds.

The 60's Vette was designed PROUDLY by Larry Shinoda. The F-150 has been designed by Chelsea Lau who is Chinese. Guess what, I think FORD's CEO was a man of middle eastern descent! Oh the horror!

Tom Peters, the brilliant designer, I believe was the design chief in charge of the Camaro. I'm sure he has a crack staff of designers working for him.

All that tells me is Ford does not discriminate and picks the best talent irregardless of race. That's something we can all be proud of.

Who cares if the designer was of Korean descent? Last I checked, we lived in America. All races, all creeds.

The 60's Vette was designed PROUDLY by Larry Shinoda. The F-150 has been designed by Chelsea Lau who is Chinese. Guess what, I think FORD's CEO was a man of middle eastern descent! Oh the horror!

Tom Peters, the brilliant designer, I believe was the design chief in charge of the Camaro. I'm sure he has a crack staff of designers working for him.

All that tells me is auto companies do not discriminate and picks the best talent irregardless of race. That's something we can all be proud of.

sorry for the double post- tried to edit but..... you guys all know.

u118224,
Camaro's designer is Korean.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=109195

Like how the Mustang's designer is Vietnamese.

Ha. Ha. Multicultural cooperation makes the best products.

Classic American designed modernized by Asian anime futuristic styling input. That's how it's done right.

Just went to the GM website and I love what GM has done with the Camaro. I will note that the base camaro starts at 23k but that is actually the bare bones car with cloth seats, no fog lights, no leather wrapped steering wheel or shift knob, no USB port, no steering wheel mounted audio controls, and no bluetooth. Not trying to bash the Camaro in any way because these are my two favorite coupes, Im just trying to educate people that just because the base Genesis V6 and Camaro are separated by 2k does not mean the Genesis is overpriced. In fact when they have the exact same items the Camaro is the more expensive. The Genesis 3.8 track fully loaded is 31k and the Camaro fully loaded cost $160 more. They both offer the greatest value IMO. I wish I could own both.

Camaro had to cut a lot of costs to come in at the low MSRP. The DI 3.6 is NOT a cheap engine- it's optional on both the CTS and G8 and while standard in the Lambda SUVs, they all start close to $30k. I too thought the Camaro interior was a bit too cheap when I sat inside a pre-pro model. However, I definitely could live with it.

Genesis Coupe is definitely a looker and I can't wait until I start to see them on the road.

"By chrisa222 on March 24, 2009 11:21 AM

I love the style of the Genesis Coupe..LOVE it. No question between these two, hands down its the Gen Coupe. "

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose, but I can tell you with certainty, your preference is in the vast minority. Not that the Genesis is bad looking, and it may arguably be the best looking Hyundai ever made, but the Camaro's styling is WOW. It's truly in another league.

"BTW anyone that thinks Chevy has better "quality, durability" hasn't driven a late-model Hyundai. These cars are several notches above what the domestics are giving us, at least Chevy. "

I have driven a late model Hyundai, and while it is vastly improved over old Hyundai's, and it feels very similar to a Toyota, it's still a lot of sizzle and not much steak. Look under the hood, look under the car at the suspension design, components used, etc. The areas where most car buyers don't look, but where mechanics and racers do. That's where you'll see where Hyundai cut corners relative to the Camaro. For example, in an endurance race, I would bet the Hyundai would break before the Camaro would. You can see the corners Hyundai cut with their ridiculous torque managament system designed to save the drivetrain from self destructing under full throttle launches. Instead of putting in a proper transmission and differential to handle the full power of the engine, they electronically handicap the engine to preserve the weak transmission and diff. That's cheese. And you won't see that kind of crap on the Camaro.

stingray454 now I don't know where you are getting your assumptions from but none of that is true. Neither car is going to break like a GT-Rs transmission. both are high quality 6-speeds and the transmissions are BOTH easily capable of 300 lb-ft.

Great write up on both cars, but looking at the prices. I am not convinced that the price stated will be the price listed at dealerships. I have been around a long time and even with the economy being the way it is, dealerships will ALWAYS mark up "niche" cars. I am willing to bet you, the Camaro V6 will have a as-tested price of around $30-32K after dealer mark-up. As stated in an earlier post, this high-end V6 is NOT cheap. You got to make a profit somewhere.

"Perhaps the difference in price is the interior? I am sorry, but the camaro interior was junk when I saw it at the car show. The inside door skins were one piece of light weight plastic. Push on it slightly and it flexes with ease. I love some of the new products GM is coming out with... but was shocked to see that the Camaro has a cheaper interior than a Cobalt. What the hell? I was really looking fwd to this car but it feels like it is disposable, IMO."

- 2002blksle

The Hyundai, even in V6 base garnish, has a very nice, standard leather interior trim and wonderful seats. A base Camaro simply won't compare to the more luxurious accomodations of the base Genesis. You absolutely get what you pay for.

Both cars are good choices, though.

The interior of the Camaro isnt any worse than the interior of the Hyundai. Both have hard plastics and that is to be expected when considering their base prices and performance. If you want softer plastics shell out $42k for a 335i coupe.

The lead designer of the Camaro is of Korean decent. That really must bug all the folks who think GM is a monolithic company that employs nothing but native midwesterners who lack exposure. Interestingly enough some believe that GM's international employee base will help it going forward in this global business. Toyota is hardly as diverse as GM when it comes to design talent and management.

Chavis,

I don't think the G8 has the DI V6 available- at least not for 2009. I hope it is added for 2010. You are correct that the 3.6 is an expensive engine though. I can't think of another car close to the price of the Camaro V6 that has a direct injection V6.

lexuslvr stated that that the base model of the Camaro is bare bones. That is what options are for, I like the fact that they figured out that the money should go into the standard powertrain not standard steering wheel audio controls and bluetooth those things are found on the options list. I remember a friend's brother in High School bought a base Mustang 5.0. No power windows, no power seats, no auto transmission...you get the point. Just a big honking V8 and that awsome exhaust note. Never missed or cared about power windows in the Stang.
Just a thought but what if Ford offered the V8 as an option in the base Mustang like they used to do, V8 power at the price of a V6 Camaro? Ford might not be out of the game yet. GM has raised the bar without a doubt, the base Mustang's old Explorer engine has got to go and the V8 needs a serious update. Maybe DOHC and variable valve timing to seriously bump the power up.

allthingshonda,

Right out of college my wife and I bought a '95 mustang. It was called a GTS, basically a V6 mustang (roll down windows, cloth seats, etc) but with the 5.0L. Laser red w/ 17" chrome cobra wheels, it was great. Didn't realize until later when looking through a mustang history book, how rare they were. Apparently they were made for 2 years, and only 5,000 were produced. Wish I had kept that car now.

I like the idea of options, but unfortunately too many of them are bundled together into expensive packages. Why do I need the 1000 watt stereo system just to get an auto dimming rear view mirror?!? :-)

By stingray454 on March 24, 2009 2:01 PM

"I would bet the Hyundai would break before the Camaro would. You can see the corners Hyundai cut with their ridiculous torque managament system designed to save the drivetrain from self destructing under full throttle launches. Instead of putting in a proper transmission and differential to handle the full power of the engine, they electronically handicap the engine to preserve the weak transmission and diff. That's cheese. And you won't see that kind of crap on the Camaro."

Ahh poor misguided stingray454.. That torque reduction has been corrected and removed by Hyundai for all their vehicles. Having seen how modern Chevys and modern Hyundais hold up, I have no doubt that the Camaro will be the first one in the shop. And the second one. Quit living in the 80's/90's. The Koreans have surpassed most companies out there. Chevy has improved as well, but, they have been passed.

And 'vast majority' would think the Camaro looks better? I highly doubt that. Unless the vast majority are trailer park rattling redneck yokels. They are both good looking cars, but only one of them doesn't look boxy and outdated. However, looks are subjective so they are debatable, unlike the facts above about reliability etc.

Keep in mind that Edmunds has achieved BY FAR the lowest numbers with the Gen Coupe. Almost every other publication is getting numbers in the 5.5 - 5.7 0-60 range and that's WITHOUT the ECU reflash. So that would project to somewhere in the low 5's with the reflash.

Also, as this test is concerned, the Camaro has much bigger tires than the Gen which is surely helping it's skidpad and handling numbers.

@ b4z
Apparently you don't know much. According to the latest JD Power VDS, for three year old models, Hyundai was above the industry average with 161 problems/100 cars. Chevy was below the average with 185. In Consumer Reports latest survey, Hyundai was #8 with an overall of just at the beginning of Better than Average. Chevrolet was 24th with an overall on the low side of Average. In their chart of troubles by corporation, GM starts out with a much higher rate and over 5-years tracks pretty close with Chrysler and VW. Hyundai, which in this chart includes Kia, starts out much lower. They track pretty closely with Ford and Nissan over 5 years.

As far as crashes go, they both have too many Acceptables and Marginals in the IIHS side test, but Chevrolet adds in a lot of bad scores in the rear test, too. Hyundai certainly has more Top Picks, 4 to Chevy's 1.

As far as resale value goes, you don't know any more than I do. Both have some craptastic ones, like Accent, Aveo, and Cobalt. But many Hyundais are average or better now and improving. GM has been taking the steps to get values up, but most Chevy's still aren't great and talk of bankruptcy certainly doesn't seem to be helping. In fact, a recent study by CNW suggests that 12% fewer people are even considering GM than were last year while 59% more are considering Hyundai. ( http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/study-more-buyers-avoiding-gm-chrysler-during-rescue/ )

scraps writes: "Unless the vast majority are trailer park rattling redneck yokels."

Always a convincing argument.

It's too bad they didn't compare cars with similar equipment levels.

The base GenCoupe 3.8 comes with leather and other stuff the 1LT doesn’t have and starts at exactly $25,000, almost $2000 less than the LT1 RS Camaro tested. Either that or get an LT2 RS which is about the same cost as the GenCoupe 3.8 Track.

By the time you compare similar equipment levels you'll find the Hyundai to be less expensive. Having owned a 2007 Hyundai for the past two years, I'd go out of my way to buy another one. Generally speaking, the level of refinement and quality is equal to cars costing significantly more. And I've seen the interior of the Camaro :(

One might miss the endless torque and intense sound of the V8, but damn this V6 is quick! Ford better get down to business and get a REAL V6 in the base Mustang (even the Challenger's V6 makes Ford's look downright archaic).

brn:
that was tongue in cheek obviously. As imports are heavily and negatively stereotyped all the time, why not do the same for some domestic muscle?

And yes I was a dukes of hazzard fan back in the day. :-) Too bad the new Charger seems to have lost that charm..

Hey Edmunds - how about Chevy vs Chevy? It's too bad the Cobalt is so boring looking, because for the same price as the base Camaro, the Cobalt SS will out-perform the V6 Camaro...and get better gas mileage as well.

As R&T recently called it - "the most underrated car in the world."

i luv the gen and the cam , but if you raise the hood on the gen, there is no under liner, no engine cover and the trunk has no scissor hinges, no onstar with turn by turn navigation and no remote vehicle start and so on and so ON!

both are very nice cars but the camaro has the advantage!

I hope GM lasts long enough to produce the Camaro. If not, maybe the Koreans will buy GM and then we'll have the Hyundai Camaro.

@benboy73

I'm thinking it'd end up the Kia Kamaro.

intothewest:

The Cobalt SS really is not comparable to either of these cars. A small econobox (fast or not)compared to true RWD sport coupes? I don't think so, nobody will be cross-shopping those.

^I know. But, it's just as odd as the high-end Genesis coupe vs base Camaro. I don't think it'll be too common for folks to cross shop a Genesis with Camaro (or Mustang for that matter).

Anyway, my point is that numbers are numbers - which is exactly what these little comparisons are for...and the Cobalt SS would at least raise some eyebrows of those that aren't really familiar with it (yet looking for real inexpensive "sports" car). Seems to me that in these times of GM being accused of making just gas-guzzling cars, the little Cobalt SS would be a good bet to put some marketing muscle behind.

Oh - and I own a 06 Mustang GT convertible...I'll just know to be careful if I ever pull up against a little Cobalt SS :-)

I wanna see the Mustang fitted with the EcoBoost Twin Turbo Direct Injected 365HP 3.5L V6. Be real nice if Ford could do it for same price as V6 Camaro, but I doubt it.

I have been in the new Camaro and the Genesis. Not driven them, just sat in them at the show. Based on creature comfort, the Genesis gets a slight nod. The driver seating position is better and it has a tilt/telescope wheel that the Camaro doesn't. There is a backseat in both, but the one in the Camaro is pretty much unusable, the Genesis at least allows some foot room.

All that said, I think the Camaro will sell better due to performance and heritage. I'm thinking an SS Camaro will replace my HHR SS in a few years since the V8 has decent mileage numbers but plenty of YEE-HAW when needed.

FWIW, I'm plenty impressed with the Genesis and a few other Hyumdai Models. I drive lot's of cars since I travel a lot, and I'll take a Hyundai over any Dodge, Toyota, and Ford on most occasions. Hyundais problem is they are getting a little TOO proud of their cars and you can get a better deal on comparable Chev's or Ford's. Hyundai needs to keep return to their "value" position to grow the brand.

I'd like to have the Hyundai's interior in the Mustang please :)

Alright alright, I'll take the Hyundai's interior in the Camaro.

What's with the muscle cars and ugly interiors?

Hyundai, I'd consider your V6 if you slapped a supercharger on that baby, at least provide it as an option. Otherwise that V6 of yours is an underperformer, come on 3.8L with 266lbs of torque, you can do better than that. If you can't, gimme the supercharger.

I have to give a nod of approval to Hyundai for this car. I think it has a great design and its exciting to get some more entry level performance cars that have a RWD layout. I expected this to be an enormous hit for Hyundai, but I'm not so sure about that now that we are seeing what the new Camaro is capable of...

The V6 Camaro is cheaper and essentially matches the performance of this highest performance version of the Genesis coupe (V6 "track" version). A Camaro SS is a measly $500 more than this Genesis 3.8 track that was tested, and we all know that there is no comparison between the two because the 426hp Camaro SS would absolutely embarrass this car.

There was a lot of anticipation for the 2.0 turbo Genesis, but it tested a lot worse than I thought it would. I think that a lot of people thought they were going to get a platform that was going to be the equivalent of a detuned RWD Evo that was going to be insane with simple mods, but this is clearly not the case. When your starting with a 15 sec 1/4 mile time and almost 7 seconds to 60, you have a really long way to go before you even set a foot into the realm of "fast".

For me, all interest in the Hyundai Genesis Coupe pretty much instantly vaporized the second the Camaro was tested.

Being stationed with the Army in Seoul, I see the Genesis sedan and coupe on a daily basis. Having seen the coupe in magazines and websites before I saw it on the streets here, for me it is much, much better looking in person. I can say the same for the Genesis sedan as well; it's really grown on me. It will be interesting to see how common they are (or are not) when I get back to CONUS.

The few Camaros I expect to see here in Korea will likely be owned by my fellow servicemen, just as it seems to be with Corvettes here. I have yet to see a 2010 model in person but I am really looking forward to it; unlike my first impression of the Genesis coupe, the latest iteration of the Camaro hooked me the first time I saw it.

Both appear to be great cars- hats off to the respective designers and engineers.

Dude muscle vs tuner

um edmunds... good job trying to save GM, but...

Why criticize one of these two when so many companies out there don't even try to offer a fun car?

This is the first Camaro whose styling I like. If I got one, I'd probably get the V6, just because of its price. I know there's a V8, but the cost difference is significant, and 300 hp is a lot! It's diminishing returns beyond 300, and I'm not good enough yet to trust myself with more power than that.

The Genesis is expensive and not light enough to be great, but it's because Hyundai used its large RWD car platform to build a sports coupe that they wouldn't have built a unique platform for. That's just the way things are... only larger premium cars can seem to justify building a RWD platform.

GM really nailed the styling on this car. 300hp for $25K. Do you really need an excuse to choose american on this one?

Hyundai makes some nice vehicles these days, but 30 years from now this Camaro will be a classic (heck, it is right now), and the Hyundai Genesis coupe will be long forgotten.

Buy this car now, as the next car you buy will be a hybrid or electric as gas will be $8/gal. So, enjoy the last cool muscle car you'll ever get to own in your life.

I do not see why anyone should buy the Genesis! The Camaro is cheaper and nicer but thats not what I am trying to get at. For years American cars have been inferior and had problems which is why we started to buy foreign cars. The Camaro, is superior to the Genesis so any american should buy the american car. I understand buying foreign due to inferior American products but if they are equal or better no question about it pick the american car! Anyone who buys the Genesis coupe over the camaro is stupid and unpatriotic!

(And this comes from a Toyota owner)

Well I wish IL and every other car magazine would test cars that would be appropriate. For instance, If you test a base v6 camaro, test a base v6 genesis then compare those test results. I would be and Im sure most readers would like to see those comparisons because Im sure the track package is not going to be the reason why people buy the genesis due to its stiffer ride. I believe the best comparison would be the camaro LT2 package with the touring genesis package.

PS to those who will comment about the rs package on the camaro. Its mostly cosmetics and bigger tires. Not a TRACK tuned suspension like the genesis track package.