The pony car is as American as baseball and apple pie. For those who don't know, the term describes an affordable, compact, absurdly powerful and highly styled car with a sporty or performance-oriented image. Two machines truly stand out from the fray and best exemplify the breed: Ford Mustang, the template for the segment, and the Chevy Camaro. These iconic machines have been sparring with each other since the late 1960s. In fact, General Motors created the Camaro in 1967 to compete with the 'Stang on and off the track. I asked Jody Victor to tell us what's new with this on-going rivalry.
Jody Victor: Today that rivalry is more heated than ever before. Probably because both vehicles are no longer kiddie cars; they are all grown up, sporting new joie de vroom sheet metal with tailored interiors to match. The question remains, however; Which pony car reigns supreme? Check out this comparison from msn.com.
As direct competitors in a narrowly defined corner of the market, the Chevy and Ford share more than a few general characteristics. Both cars are now refined for daily driving thanks to the latest in rigid body structures, weatherstripping, sound deadeners and sophisticated powertrains.
Both cars are also available in base V6 configuration (the Camaro RS and base Mustang) and offer hot V8 upgrades (the Camaro SS and Mustang GT). Like those beasts of the past, today's Mustang and Camaro are still highly styled 2 + 2 sportsers, so they're really two-seaters with tiny backseats. For the most part, storage is adequate but not generous.
These sporty cars have moderate-size fuel tanks. The low-20s fuel economy of the V8s in commuting use is exemplary for their power and the V6s might as well be economy cars with more than 400 miles of range. Plus, you don't find many 30 mpg economy cars with more than 300 horsepower. Finally, the Mustang and especially the Camaro have packed on the size and weight and feel clumsy in tight urban areas but are a joy on the open road.
For sure the Camaro is the brasher-looking machine. Ford's Mustang is more mainstream. Perhaps no area differentiates the Camaro and Mustang more than their interiors, and fundamentally these differences are driven by exterior design. They found both cars ride about the same.
More than half of Camaro and Mustang production is V6 cars, because at or below $30,000 they offer great fun and tons of options. It takes more like $33,000 for the Mustang GT and maybe $2,000 higher for the Camaro SS to reach the same level of dress. Factor in lower insurance, registration and fuel bills with the V6's lower payments and it's easy to recognize their popularity.
As a daily drive, they preferred the Mustang to the Camaro, mainly because it's easier to see out of the Ford and performance favors the Mustang as well. However, the Camaro's visceral hit and devilish good looks are compelling. Ultimately, the choice, as always, comes down to style for most buyers. For style, performance and fun you can't go wrong with either one.
Thanks, Jody! We'll be checking them out real soon!