There was a time when people believed American muscle cars with V8 engines and a growl had become extinct. It turned out to be quite the reverse, and now we have three classic American cars to look at, all of which are outstanding and really powerful.
The Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger almost disappeared from the automotive scene due to an increase in SUVs. But in the last ten or so years, each has really emerged with supercharged V8s that are incredibly strong, torque that burns tires, and 0-60 mph times that are simply staggering.
With all of this, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. To make this easy, we will compare the features and specifications of these three vehicles. Let’s get started!
A Quick Comparison
| Specification | Chevy Camaro | Ford Mustang | Dodge Challenger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Pushrod 16-valve V-8 | DOHC 32-valve V-8 | Pushrod 16-valve V-8 |
| Displacement | 376 cu in (0.21 cu ft), 6162 cc | 307 cu in (0.17 cu ft), 5038 cc | 391 cu in (0.22 cu ft), 6410 cc |
| Power | 455 hp | 486 hp | 485 hp |
| Torque | 455 lb-ft | 418 lb-ft | 475 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic with manual-shifting mode | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined/city/highway) | 20/16/27 mpg | 17/14/23 mpg | 18/15/25 mpg |
| Zero to 60 mph | 3.9 sec | 4.2 sec | 4.2 sec |
Powertrain
For the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro, the standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 producing 335 hp. It can be connected to a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Although the powerful six-cylinder engine produces a unique and intense sound, the actual power comes from the optional small-block V-8 engine of the Camaro, which produces 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.
The new Mustang comes with a better EcoBoost engine that has been upgraded and has 315 hp of power and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Mustang GT’s 480 hp engine beats the Camaro’s mid-grade 455 hp V8. But compared to the Mustang Dark Horse’s 500 hp, the top-trim supercharged ZL1 Camaro produces an incredible 650 hp.
The Challenger’s standard 305 hp V-6 engine isn’t enough for enthusiasts. The small engine is paired only with the eight-speed automatic, but in the heavy Challenger, it lacks the acceleration and thrill of competitors. If you want to get the most out of your Challenger, go for the 6.4-liter V-8 that has 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy
The most efficient 2024 Camaro, the V6 with an automatic transmission, earned 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the V-8 variants were rated at 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
The base-model turbocharged Ecoboost fastback is the most fuel-efficient Mustang, with 22 city and 33 highway mpg. With the extra Performance Package, you can get 29 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city, which isn’t bad but isn’t great either.
The rear-drive, V-6-powered Challenger gets 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. All-wheel drive reduces those fuel economy ratings by 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Challengers with the 5.7-liter V-8 can get up to 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 6.4-liter V-8 variants are rated up to 15 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Interior Features
The three cars all include standard six-speaker audio systems, Wi-Fi hotspots, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. However, the 2024 Camaro’s gauge cluster is 8 in (20 cm) and the basic touch screen is 7 in (17 cm) in size, which is smaller than the Ford. Additionally, it is challenging to use the Chevy’s touch screen because of its strange orientation within the dashboard. Overall, it’s simpler to use the infotainment system on the Mustang.
With an all-new interior, the 2024 Mustang boasts a considerably more enticing set of features, including a standard 13.2-in (33 cm) touch-screen that runs Ford’s excellent and responsive SYNC 4 infotainment system. A 12.4-in (30 cm) digital cluster of gauges shows the driver the current status of the car.
The user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system is standard in every Challenger. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are included as standard equipment in the feature-filled unit.
Interior Quality
The 2024 Camaro maintains the traditional muscle-car-inspired design elements within the cabin, which might appeal to some buyers more than others. Aside from that, the interior is also stuck with what can only be called an outdated design. It feels less expensive than a sports vehicle should and has a lot more hard plastic surfaces inside than the Mustang.
The 2024 redesign of the Mustang got rid of the retro feel of the old generation’s cabin and gave it a more modern, simple look. Additionally, the inside touchpoints were furnished with better materials. There are now more high-end upholstery options to choose from, and the use of digital screens gives the furniture a contemporary feel without being jarring.
The Challenger boasts a traditional muscle-car interior with comfy seating and a straightforward style reminiscent of its models from the 1970s. Sadly, its rubberized materials don’t look like high-quality plastic; instead, they resemble outdated vinyl, and rear visibility is poor.
Seat Comfort
All three vehicles come with beautifully cushioned seats and cloth upholstery as standard. All models are equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and Recaro sport seats as an optional extra for drivers who intend to put in a lot of hard driving. Some people feel that the Recaro seats installed in the Mustang are too firmly bolstered for extended road trips.
The Mustang’s back seats are marginally more spacious than the Camaro’s severely cramped ones. Its visibility is also far superior to that of the Camaro, whose sightlines are so constrained that some reviewers found parking to be difficult.
The Dodge has a far roomier interior than its pony-car competitors, with the back seat usable by adults. The wide front seats of the Challenger are cozy for long drives, but even the optional seats, which offer more support, don’t embrace their passengers as the seats in the Camaro or Mustang do.
Cargo Space
The trunk space of the Chevy Camaro is among the most cramped in the sports car class, measuring in at a meager 7.3 cu ft (0.20 cu m) for convertible buyers and 9.1 cu ft (0.25 cu m) for coupe customers—just enough for around two carry-on bags. Using the Camaro’s short trunk is a hassle due to its high liftover height and small overall trunk opening.
The Mustang is a huge upgrade, sporting a more ergonomic trunk that holds 11.4 cu ft (0.32 cu m) in convertibles and 13.5 cu ft (0.38 cu m) in hardtops.
Compared to the Camaro, the trunk of the Dodge pony car can accommodate an additional 7 cu ft (0.19 cu m) of cargo. This means that, compared to the Camaro, the Challenger can accommodate two extra bags of luggage. This advantage increases to six when the back seats are folded down.
Ride and Handling
Camaro’s sturdy construction allows for precision handling and a premium feel. Its balanced ride is responsive on smooth roads but supple enough for winding ones. When combined with the 1LE system, the coupes outperform other vehicles in their class, vying with expensive, fancy-named sports cars.
On the racetrack, the 1LE-equipped cars are rigid, but on public roads, they are easygoing. Their electrically assisted power-steering systems respond with great accuracy and little effort. The hot Chevy’s superb brakes complete the performance trifecta; the brake pedal always responds with a progressive and comforting feel. The 1LE vehicles include stronger, track-ready Brembo brakes.
There is a clear improvement in the feel and feedback of the new Mustang’s steering. The MagnaRide dampers absorb expansion joints and pavement heaves without interfering with cockpit operations. The Dark Horse is equipped with 19-in (48 cm) Pirelli P Zero PZ4s as standard, but if you opt for Ford’s Handling package, you’ll get sticker Pirelli Trofeo RS tires instead.
The Challenger snaps around corners with the aggression and menacing sway of a rampaging bull gone red. The muscular Dodge is a true muscle car; it performs better on the street and drag strip than on two-lane roads. However, the Challenger’s steering is too numb, and it is too soft in tight corners when compared to the Camaro and Mustang’s stickier and sharper handling.
Price
The basic price of the 2024 Ford Mustang is $32,515, while the base price of the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro is $32,495, a little $20 less. On the other hand, the 2023 Dodge Challenger ranges in price from $34,395 to $58,855, depending on the trim level and options.
Conclusion
All three American muscle legends have their own pros and cons, which we have discussed above in detail. They have reasonable starting prices, which rise significantly as trim levels and option packages are added. Choosing one comes down to one’s personal needs, preferences, and budget. But one thing is for sure, whatever car you choose, you will not be disappointed at all.
