Comparing Ford Mustangs and Chevy Camaros
Muscle Car," two distinctive cars come to mind, the Camaro and the Mustang. Throughout the era of the early 1950's and 1960's, there was a revolutionary movement that took place and paved the ground work for today's "Muscle Cars" known as the "Ponycar Era." Ask any avid Camaro or Mustang fan about the ponycar era, and watch their pain. They will describe cars that would light the tires on fire, floor it, and hang onto the wheel excitement. Back in the 1960's a new idea was soon to hit the American market, the Ford Mustang. When the Mustang was introduced, General Motors soon to had to follow with their own type of sports car. The car they generated was know as the Chevrolet Camaro. The cars themselves were introduced within the matter of a few years of one another. From the day that General Motors and Ford realized that these cars were very similar in horsepower, torque, standards, and etc... they soon started to pit them against each other in an all out battle that has still last to present day. However, the Chevrolet Camaro has always had the slight advantage over the Ford's Mustang.
When the word Mustang comes to play, most people think of a very well known car, not only for its stylish aspects, but for a variety of reasons: cost, features, speed (probably best know fact), and all around good appeal. The Ford Mustang was designed to be a people car. In 1960 Ford engineers sought out to build a car that the average motor head would be able to afford but yet still have the edgy feel about it. Back at the time of its release, in the early 1960's, the Mustang did hold the advantage over General Motors. General Motors had no car out at the time of the Mustang's release to compete with it. As the years progressed, Ford and Chevrolet managed to out do one another with there monster creations of each car. One such creation by Ford is their 590 HP "Super Stallion." The car features a 590 HP engine which burns alcohol instead of regular pump gas. Jack Keebler noted from Motor Trend Magazine, "The way to a fast time is to launch this pony at no more than 1,600 RPM, gently feeding in the throttle as the big 265/40/ZR18 Goodyear's churn at the edge of traction. Full throttle is impossible until you're well into third gear, but its still one helluva hand full to drive" (40 - 45). That is the newest creation from the M...
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...yers every year. The American public is not going to pay for something of standard quality and performance when they can get a better and less expensive car that out performs the higher priced one. "The bottom line clearly reveals that from this group of long time nemesis, the Camaro once again emerges as offering the most bang for the buck" (Bartlett 30 - 38).
In conclusion, from the early 1950's and 1960's there has been two cars that have taken the American people by storm, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. Both rivals have tried from day one to out do and out perform each other to bet the first to develop an affordable sports car that handles and performs like a $90,000 dollar muscle car. Each in its own right have established itself on the car market place with such creations by Ford for its 590-HP Super Stallion and Chevrolet for its 600-HP Big Block Camaro. The Camaro and Mustang have been looked at as the "First true American sports cars." They are arguably the two most rivaled sports cars of yesteryear and today. "The Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are quintessential American pony cars and as such, continue to fight the good fight over which is best" (
The corvette was first introduced in January 1953. To experiment with the car, they only made 300 cars, which were all made by hand and powered by a 235-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine. The corvette was designed to show the world that General Motors could make a sports car that was a stylish two seater. All 1953 corvettes were polo white with red interiors. The engine of the car generated 150 horsepower and had a 2-speed power glide automatic transmission. Researchers have found that the first corvette has been known to go over 150 miles per hour.
Over the next few years however, Chevy's continuous remodeling, unlike Ford's, caused Chevy to take first place. By 1925, Chevy was offering multiple trucks and cars. Introduced the six-cylinder in 1929. In 1929 but mainly in the Thirties The Great Depression became more difficult, Chevy's slogan: "The Great American Value" stilled helped them manage to sell an ample amount of vehicles. Chevy's were known for both style and class thanks to designer Harley Earl, who gave Chevy cars, like the 1932 Deluxe Roadster, the look of the luxurious Cadillac brand. Also he incorporated the first 'Knee-Action front suspension in low price category. In 1935, the Chevy Suburban was introduced. It was the first continuously produced line of truck based 'wagons', now known as SUVs. Chevy's style had similar characteristics to that of Cadillac, although Chevy's were priced much lower, like the Sports Roadster, priced around $445 during the Depression years. Over the past 81 years, the Chevy Suburban has become that longest continually produced vehicle 'nameplate' in the U.S., still having many of the same purposes now in 2016, as it did in 1935. Chevrolet entered the Forties with a bright outlook and new models of cars, then World War 2 started. Chevy had massive war efforts and helped the Allied forces. After WWII, people couldn't wait to get new cars & trucks, with newer
...est levels of sports car performance. As the first decade of the 21st century progressed, Chevrolet joined every other automaker in squeezing race track horsepower out of street-legal engines. The ZR1 Corvettes made during this generation were capable of speeds over 200 MPH, and cost over $100,000, so they were a bit of a change from the “cheap” car Corvettes were previously known for being. C7: The Return of the Stingray. Modern Corvettes are now achieving Ferrari racing status and power.Corvettes Are the Longest Running production Car Brand Ever. They are about $65,000 and usually look pretty nice. A really nice touch is that for an extra $800 you can drive your Corvette out of the Corvette museum with the staff clapping while you drive out.
Ask any ten enthusiasts what two cars epitomize the concept of an automotive rivalry and at least nine of them will instantly conclude the Chevrolet or Chevy Camaro and the Ford Mustang, two cars that make up part of a small automotive segment known as Pony Cars. These fire-breathing leviathans of the street snarl with guttural reverberations boastfully announcing their presence with the mere turn of key. For nearly five decades, these mechanical beasts have captured the imagination of the American driver and ignited the most contentious debate in automotive history: Which car reigns supreme? Muscle car buffs waste no time quoting sales figures, vehicle performance, track times, or even mundane statistics like vehicle dimensions or available colors to simply justify their support for one model over the other. As this debate rages on, the makers of these brutes fan the flames through targeted marketing strategies, consumer promotions, pricing strategies, and creative advertising all in effort to win an automotive war the likes of which have never been seen or fought before (Davenport, 2013).
...terpretation in the strictest sense. There are many more classes of muscle cars such as full sized muscle, personal luxury, two seat sport cars, and pony cars. Notable examples of full sized and personal luxury include the Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevy Impala SS, Buick Riviera, or the Ford Galaxie. Some famous examples of two seat sport cars include the Chevrolet Corvette or the Ford Thunderbird. One of the most famous subsections of muscle cars however is the pony car; a vehicle that is similar to the muscle car, except for the fact that it usually has a smaller and lighter chassis. Some famous examples of pony cars include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, AMC AMX, Dodge Challenger, Mercury Cougar, Plymouth Barracuda, Pontiac Firebird, and many more. However, what all of these vehicles had in common was their significant impact on American society past and present.
Due to the growing prevalence of stock car racing, muscle cars came into power during the 1960s, which has become known as the Golden Age of Muscle. Lasting from 1960 to 1972, muscle cars enjoyed over a decade of power, and, regrettably, a four decade hibernation. In the past six years, muscle cars have reemerged in the form of the Charger, Challenger, Mustang, and Camaro. The new cars’ styling pays tribute to their Golden Age predecessors. This is the new muscle car age, with competition and corporate pride higher than ever.
One reason the muscle car was originally produced was due to the young Vietnam War veterans who had a need for speed. The young veterans who had been in Vietnam for at least a few years had a need for the feeling of freedom and the best way they could find it was racing down the highway in a car at high speeds. Thus, to help appeal to the younger generation, auto manufacturers packed more power in their cars. As more technological advances came about, the power steadily increased (Leffingwell and Holmstrom).
Model T’s were everywhere in America, even long after Ford stopped production in 1927. (Henry) While Ford was the number one brand, selling the most cars throughout the early 1900’s, the Model T created a new industry that is distinctly American; the auto industry. Three manufacturers, Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler dominated the American auto industry, and all three companies still produce cars today. The Model T gave birth to the competitive auto market. To this day, car companies in America are constantly racing to innovate, improve, and outsell their competitors. Manufacturing of cars “became the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society. By the mid-1920s it ranked first in value of product, and in 1982 it provided one out of every six jobs in the United States.” (history –idk yet) The demand for cars also resulted in a booming petroleum industry, and a high demand for metals, like steel. ( History idk yet) Furthermore, with so many people driving cars, construction of roads was necessary. The popularity of automobiles set off a chain reaction that created new opportunities all across the country. All sections of the modern automotive industry, from marketing to manufacturing, as well industries like petroleum refining, steel production, and road construction, can trace their beginnings to the Ford Model
Two of the most iconic muscle cars of all time are the Mustang and the Camaro. These muscle cars are literally seen everywhere in cities, small towns, and even out in the country. Can you blame the owners for having one? No, not really. Both of these cars are very quick to the gas, and very smooth to drive. They are so slick and clean inside with having everything with easy accessibility, plus the amazing loud roar of both their big block engines. Both of these cars have always been a two door since they were first manufactured. They were very broad, and big bodied machines. When they came out, it was something everybody wanted. These cars are highly recommended because they’re something anybody could enjoy.
Many by now know, the EV that redefined the genre was released to rave reviews. Consumer Reports said that it performed better than any other auto on their test track. Because of all the weight from the low mounted motors it was
To make comparing easier, a 2004 Ford SVT (Special Vehicle Teams) Mustang Cobra and a 2000 Acura Integra Type R will be used as the comparison. The engine in the Mustang is a 4.601 liter, 280.8 cubic inch V-8 engine with 32 valves DOHC (Dual Over Head Cams), sequential electronic fuel injection, and an Eaton Generation IV roots-type supercharger, with a TTC T-56 6 speed Manual creating 390 break horse power at 6000 RPM and 389 foot pounds of torque at 3500 RPM. It has a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, a quarter mile time of 12.6 seconds at 112 mph, and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. The Integra has a B18C5, 1.797 liter, 110 cubic inch, 4 cylinders, 16 valves DOHC VTEC engine. It creates 195 horse power at 8000 RPM and 130 foot pounds of torque at 7000 RPM. It has a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, a quarter mile time of 14.7 seconds, and has a limited top speed of 135 mph.
North American pricing has been set at US$36,605. The special turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine makes an even 350 horsepower (261 kW) and 350 foot-pounds of torque (474.5 n.m.). It is the same engine found in the Ford Mustang, but it benefits from a few modifications, including a larger turbocharger, improved flow air intake, and an enhanced exhaust system. Thus, the engine offers a 10 percent power boost over the Mustang and comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Mustang GT only only offered the 289- cubic inch or an 390- cubic inch V8 in 1967. The Camaro rolled out with 302, 327, 350, and 396 cubic inch V8’s (Camaro 14) The Camaro’s style was much smoother as well. The introduction of the Camaro threw pony car development into a frenzy. Before the Camaro, the Mustang and Barracuda were not quite considered full muscle cars. Most serious performance enthusiasts still opted for intermediate sized GTO’s or the Chevelle Super Sports (SS). The Camaro changed the image of those sport coupes. (Camaros, Eric Ethan)
In the 1970s, the japanese manufactured a cheap and small engine car. This was a threat for other automobile industries from different nations because they were so successful in their manufacturing (Healey 18). The seventies were also different than the other decades before it. It was a decade when earnest protestors buried Chevy to protest the pollution of the internal combustion engine. The Japanese took over america’s import market, the japanese took over 90 percent of the 2.3 million cars that were imported in 1979 (Edelstein, McDonough 122). There was no car that challenged america’s Macho more than the “Castrated” Cadillac seville of 1975. The Cadillac could shed 1,000 pounds and twenty-five inches of length on the seville and the cost was of $12,500 (Edelstein, McDonough 122).
A highly popular muscle and sports car, the Ford Mustang functions as a daily driver, weekend warrior, and a show winning work of mechanical art. Whether someone just needs a basic transportation to get from point A to point B, an eight second quarter-mile beast, or a show stopping work of power and beauty, Ford has produced a Mustang for every need.