If you’re looking for the coolest muscle car in 2023, popular choices anyone could speed off with are the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro. Both are built to go fast, with their sleek but boxy stylings, turning each car into not only a great vehicle but a statement wherever you go. Our comparison guide will help you feel confident in making the right choice for these one-of-a-kind cars.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Neither are going to be surpassing the other as far as gas mileage is concerned– they get the basically same mpg.
- More powerful engine on the Camaro.
- The Mustang Ecoboost offers some huge perks that are standard features compared to the Camaro.
- Same amount of passengers in both cars, but more space in the Mustang.
A TEST OF POWER: 2023 MUSTANG V. CAMARO
Right off the bat, the Camaro is sporting the bigger engine, with its max horsepower potential of 650. It's one of the highest numbers you’ll see out there with any car, but is a beast of a sports car with its power. The Mustang's max horsepower stops at 450.
The Mustang has two powertrain options:
- 310-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine
- 450-hp, 5.0-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine
It’s a slightly unfair comparison, because it’s the Camaros third-tier powertrain that’s getting it to that 650 range, while the Mustang only has two. But that just means the Camaro has more power by offering more options.
Those options for the Camaro engines include:
- 275-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine
- 455-hp, 6.2-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine
- 650-hp, 6.2-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine
When comparing the two tiers of powertrain both sports cars have in common, the difference becomes more apparent with what they can both accomplish: it's nearly equal. Just a five-horsepower difference on their second tier, and if you’re not looking to upgrade then the standard powertrain for the Mustang has the advantage over the Camaro. You’ll see why further, but this is why we prefer the Mustang.
With its standard engine you’re getting the more powerful vehicle with all its other inclusive features that a buyer would have to upgrade to get on the Camaro. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that with these higher performing cars and their horsepower: the bigger the number the bigger the potential insurance premium. It will come down to personal preference, needs, and how your budget looks both on and off the lot.
PRICING: POINTS TO THE MUSTANG
Speaking of budget, the Mustang is more friendly to buyers’ wallets than the Camaro will be out the door. MSRP estimates a range from $32,900 to $48,000, while the Camaro runs an average between $32,000 and $73,000, making the Mustang the cheaper of the two vehicles.
WHICH CAR HAS THE BETTER FEATURES?
Cheaper price does not mean cheaped-out features when it comes to high-performing muscle cars. Passengers in the Mustang have more room than the Camaro, which may come as a shock to most, since they are nearly the same size. The Mustang gives passengers a few extra inches to stretch in the back, and still offers close to 6 inches of extra trunk space. The Ecoboost trim of the Mustang gives standard buyers a lot more to offer all around than its equivalent Camaro trim.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite is an all-inclusive safety feature package that incorporates driver-safe technology from blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and lane keeping assistance. These are standard on the Ford make, while buyers of the Camaro will need to upgrade to get the same features. What the Camaro has that the Mustang doesn’t is an optional entertainment package including a Bose speaker audio system, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi. As far as eye-catching exteriors are concerned, future Mustang drivers will have a harder time choosing from the Mustang’s larger selection of colors, including three shades of gray and a green.
THE WINNER: MORE INCLUSIVITY WITH MORE OPTIONS
The Mustang versus Camaro is a healthy rivalry resulting solely in one of the coolest rides you’ll ever have on the road. The Mustang offers more to buyers whether they are first time muscle car owners or collectors. For the Ford Mustang, it wasn’t just about looks, but overall usability and daily-reliance on the car to ensure drivers get everything they need out of every drive.