Skip to main content

Modern Muscle Cars: Ford Mustang v. Chevrolet Camaro v. Dodge Challenger

2019-mustang-2018-challenger-2018-camaro
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Since the mid-1960s, Americans have associated muscle cars with the very essence of our great nation. Loud, proud, and powerful, these performance vehicles are unlike any other class of car.

Recommended Videos

In some ways, the muscle car is precisely the same as it’s always been: rear-wheel-drive, front-engine, and styled for impact. However, the type and degree of performance available from these machines is vastly different than ancestral vehicles. Muscle cars are as fast around corners as they are in a straight line, some make more power than contemporary supercars, and four-cylinder turbocharged versions are even fuel-efficient.

With each passing year, the three muscle car kings — Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger — grow more potent, technologically advanced, and altogether exciting. Frankly, it’s becoming hard to keep up with all the special editions and model year improvements. Alas, we’ll do our best in this modern muscle car matchup.

Ford Mustang

The original pony car is the favorite of the three in terms of sales figures. Ford sold 81,866 Mustangs to Chevy’s 67,940 Camaros and Dodge’s 64,537 Challengers in 2017. Customers are attracted to the car’s aggressive styling, frugal powertrain options, and affordable price (the 2018 Mustang’s $25,680 starting figure is the cheapest of the muscle car trio).

The Ford Mustang received a number of upgrades for the 2018 model year to keep its appeal high. An adaptive damper suspension system is available for both the GT and EcoBoost-powered models, an active exhaust system can muffle or open up the music playing from the back of the Mustang GT, power is up 25 horses and 20 pound-feet of torque on the GT, and an available 12.0-inch digital driver display is the first of its kind on a muscle car.

Three engines can be found under the hood of 2018 model year Mustangs. The entry-level cars use a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to produce 310 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Those who prefer a classic V8-powered muscle car can choose from either the GT’s 5.0-liter Cayote unit, with 460hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, or the GT350’s 5.2-liter flat-crank engine with 526hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of powertrain, the 2018 Ford Mustang is offered with both a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Mustang GT does 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and tops out at 155 mph.

This year, Ford re-introduced the Mustang Bullitt, based on the GT. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its movie namesake, the special edition ‘Stang gets 15 extra horsepower over the standard GT, along with a higher top speed (163 mph), dark green paint job, black wheels, and tuned suspension. Next year, Mustang fans will be also be treated to a revived GT500. Rumor has it the new GT500 will pack over 700 horsepower from a supercharged V8 to better compete with the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.

Chevrolet Camaro

Mustang owners wouldn’t be caught dead in a Camaro, but the same could be said for Camaro enthusiasts — these folks love their bowtie brawlers. The latest Chevy Camaro is arguably the best driver’s car of the three (at least in base form), thanks to a superb chassis and potent engines.

Starting at $25,905 for the entry-level model, the 2018 Camaro is just a hair pricier than the Mustang and has the best city mileage rating of all three cars at 22 mpg. Little has changed for the 2018 model year, but 2017 saw several new trims and features including 50th anniversary and Redline special editions, the return of the 1LE performance package for V6 and V8 models, and the addition of Chevy’s Teen Driver monitoring software across all trims.

The 2018 Chevy Camaro is available with three powertrains and four configurations: the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 275hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the 3.6-liter V6 makes 335hp and 284 lb-ft of torque, the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 delivers either 455hp and 455 lb-ft of torque in the SS, or 650hp and 650 lb-ft of torque in the supercharged ZL1. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic, or new ten-speed auto. The Camaro SS does 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and tops out at 165 mph.

In 2019, Chevrolet’s face-lifted Camaro will go on sale with no other changes than a revised infotainment system. The restyled car is already drawing both love and hate from sports car enthusiasts for its non-traditional front-end, but we anticipate most nay-sayers will adjust to the new look before long.

Dodge Challenger

Rather than striving for the cutting edge, Dodge takes a nostalgic approach to its Challenger nameplate. With an old-school look; comfortable, spacious interior; and brutal power, the current Challenger bullies its way through traffic better than most pickup trucks.

Priced from $27,295 for the V6-powered SXT, the Challenger is the most expensive and best-equipped muscle car. In 2017, Dodge gave the Challenger a light exterior refresh of its headlights, taillights, and bumpers. The T/A and T/A 392 nameplates were also revived with improved grip, braking, and engine-cooling compared to the standard models. Chrysler’s updated UConnect infotainment system made its way into every Challenger, with an 8.4-inch display available. This year, changes include an optional handling package, an available all-wheel-drive system, and a widebody kit for the Hellcat.

The Dodge Challenger has the broadest powertrain selection and output selection. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 slots into entry-level models to the tune of 305hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. R/T models add two cylinders, with their 5.7-liter mills churning out 372hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. A retro “Shaker” edition is tuned to 375hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Raising the intensity are 6.4-liter V8-powered models (SRT 392, Scat Pack, T/A) with 485hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

On a completely different level, the Challenger SRT Hellcat drops 707hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Already sold out, the Demon flattens its muscle car competitors with 840hp (on 95 octane fuel) and 717 lb-ft of torque. Depending on trim level, a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic are available. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 does 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and tops out at 182 mph.

Next year, Challenger lovers will have access to a new Hellcat halo model: the Red Eye. Slotting above the more-powerful 717hp Hellcat, the Red Eye will deliver 797 horses to the rear wheels. In addition to a better lubrication system, the Red Eye gets a dual-snorkel grille and 20-inch lightweight wheels. Dodge will also offer the wide body set up for 392 Scat Pack models.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Topics
Jeep unveils the all-new Cherokee to debut late 2025
New Jeep Cherokee coming late 2025
Jeep Cherokee

When the Cherokee left Jeep's lineup at the end of 2023, it created a noticeable gap between the smaller Compass and the midsize Grand Cherokee, leaving a lot of potential buyers wondering what happened. The Cherokee has always been a strong player in a super competitive field, going head-to-head with big names like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Hyundai Tucson. So, it was a bit confusing when Jeep pulled the plug on the last generation without having a replacement lined up. After two years of sitting on the sidelines, Jeep is finally bringing the Cherokee back.

Recently, Jeep shared the first teasers of the new SUV ahead of its big reveal and expected launch later this year. Fans of classic Cherokees might be excited about the new model’s design, which goes back to a boxier, more rugged look that feels true to Jeep's roots. To highlight this, Jeep put out a cool image showing the new model alongside the older XJ-series Cherokees from the '80s and early 2000s. The 2026 version sports a flatter front end and squared-off headlights that remind many of the classic models, and the roofline is more upright, giving it a tougher vibe.
“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. “Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.”
Right now, Jeep offers a mix of vehicles, including gas engines and plug-in hybrids with their clever 4xe technology available in models like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. There’s a chance the new Cherokee could include a basic gas engine—maybe the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Compass—alongside a 4xe hybrid model or even an all-electric version. For now, more details are still under wraps, but fans are eager to find out what Jeep has in store as the launch date gets closer.

Read more
The 2025 BMW X7 M60i may be the sportiest full-sized SUV on the market
Driving this, you forget you're in a full-sized SUV
Front 3/4 view of a a blue BMW X7 M60i

The luxury SUV market is a little crowded these days, so sometimes it’s difficult to stand out. There’s an argument that you should play to your historic strengths if you want to succeed, and that’s likely what BMW has done with the X7 M60i SUV. The vehicle is much larger than your average Blimmer, but at its core, it has all of the qualities that BMW customers tend to appreciate.

I recently spent some time looking at BMW’s biggest SUV, which has been enhanced with an “M” package. So, before hopping in the driver’s seat, I was already expecting a good amount of comfort paired with exceptional power. This is why the X7 M60i did not disappoint on either front.
It’s very aggressive, like a tiger on a leash

Read more
Bridgestone’s new touring tire comes with an 80,000 mile warranty
Bridgestone Launches All-New Turanza EverDrive Touring Tire
bridgestones new touring tire comes with an 80000 mile warranty bridgestone turanza everdrive  3

Since we started using a set of Firehawk Indy 500 tires a few months ago, Bridgestone has really impressed us with their dedication to quality and innovation in the tire scene. This week, they’ve introduced an exciting new addition—the Turanza EverDrive touring tire, and it's backed by an incredible 80,000-mile warranty, which is their longest yet.

These tires are designed for sedans, CUVs, and minivans, and they come with some really new and useful technology. The next-generation rubber compound helps fight against uneven wear, so you can expect them to last you longer. Plus, they’ll give you a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for all your daily adventures with or without the family.

Read more