Not a chance.

 

Haven't seen the Challenger. It may be a foot shorter than the LX and have expressive styling, but that also describes the Pontiac Aztek. It could be uglier or prettier than Mustang. Till we see it, it's all conjecture.

As for Camaro, sure we know the basics of what it will look like. But remember those swell drawings from GM of the new Malibu before they unveiled it at the NAIAS a few years ago? Those drawings looked HOT!! In real life it was a dissappointment. The Charger and CTS even in photos looked terrible. But in real life they're pretty impressive.

Right now all we have as a few (good) drawings of the 5th gen, and the size of what the Challenger will be. Comparing that to a car we can drive a few miles & see, touch, and sit in is a matter of faith.

I second that. It's going to be a little heavy (IRS), but it's still going to be quick.

 

Bang for the buck and it has to be out before I get a good look at a challenger.

 

The only car that actually exists (an important point for some) is the Mustang.

Would I buy a Mustang? Definitely not.

If the choice was between an imaginary Camaro and an imaginary Challenger, I'd have to vote Challenger.

When it comes to Chrysler's line of real HEMI-powered performance cars, I like what I see.

Right now, GM isn't working from much of track record.

 

I don't think this can be summed up in a single sentance or two, so this is probably going to seem a bit long winded (sorry).

I'd prefer to buy Chevy, but the car that most closely meets all the requirements below is the one I would buy. Important: these are in order of (close) priority - but all are requisites - I will not buy a car that misses the mark in any of these departments.

>1. First and foremost styling has to be awesome. Even if the thing has 500HP - if the styling is crap (like the DCX 300 and Charger), I'm not going to bite.

>2. Available V8 with 350+ HP/TQ coupled with respectable gas milage. GM has proved with the LSX motors that they are class leaders here ahead of Ford and DCX. An LS2 coupled with an available cylinder de-activation would rock. This pretty much rules out the current Mustang GT (not enough stock HP) and the upcomming GT500 (which is a heavy 3800lb gas hog).

>3. Handling. At least equal to if not better than the best factory 3rd and 4th gens.

>4. Build quality: reliability, lack of rattles and squeaks, assembly tolerances and quality of materials used. Chevy Cobolt SS Supercharged is pretty nice IMO in this department and hopefully achievable for the new f-body at least.

If none of the big 3 build a new musclecar like this, I'll just stick with restoring and modding what I have now.

 

The 3v motors are actually pretty good, and the 2v motors aren't that bad either, especially since I've eaten crow on the 2v motor several times now after ranting about how 400+ hp NA 2v motors are pretty much vaporware. All in all the 4.6 really is a better piece than the windsor engines. You want to see the 4.6 arena explode, somebody with some cojones just needs to come out with a bolt on 3v head for the 04 and lower 4.6 gang.


I agree on the aftermarket scene, but I dont see how the hemi is a rip? If there is an engine you LS boys need to fear its that baby elephant that chrysler has.

 

Boy, some of you guys really lack imagination.

I'm asking WHY would you buy a Camaro...over Mustang/Challenger. Not compare Mustang to 2 unreleased cars.

Ok, let me put it like this...other than Chevy loyalty, what would make you wait to buy a Camaro instead of buying a Mustang now.


What is it that Mustang doesn't have now and hope that Camaro will have to make it worth the wait?

Maybe I'll start....

I like the new Mustang, but don't love it. It looks too big and bulky for my tastes. It's rear overhangs look alittle ungainly. For whatever reasons...(and I'm sure the reasons were sound, during this period of no competition), I feel that Ford cheaped out on the suspension. Mustang's interior feels alittle chintzy to me too.

Fixing those things for the next Camaro.....would be a reason "WHY" for me to buy a Camaro over a Mustang.....or Challenger.

 

why i don't buy a new stang:
1)bad interior design ( parking brake on the wrong side, cup holders behind the shifter etc)
2) look too big (inside and out)
3)no hatch ( i love mine)
4)a little to heavy.

 

thing that attracted me to 4th gen camaro was kick *** looks back in 1993, in the coming years i found out it was a sports car, and soon later found out a sports car meant it was fast...

It was love at first site after the facts.

So assuming GM does its magics, probally drivetrain and Cosmetics.

 

I can't make that decision when 2 of the 3 cars don't exist yet.

 

I'd buy the Camaro because I'm a Chevy guy Yes, I am aware I'm not supposed to say that...

Seriously, I won't consider the Mustang. Ever. If the '09 is as retro as the '05, Ford can continue to kiss my derriere. The Challenger I would consider, especially with the engines Dodge seems to be cranking out as of late!! I'm hoping the Camaro continues to be wider, swoopier and better handling than the Mustang, and the new Charger.

 

A Camaro would be worth the wait if it's smaller, more sophisticated and less retro than a Mustang.

 

From a mechanics standpoint, I have always had better luck with GM products, and they've had great looks, and could more easily afford to repair them, and opperate them...then ofcourse the most important there's the past history of how easy they are to mod...but they're all getting more complex.
I'd stick with what I know, as reliable and affordable to own...with kick @$$ POWER!!!

 

Hmmmm....y'know maybe my experience was colored by a 3rd gen, but I'd have to say I dont feel the same way. Compared to my 91 5.0 (especially after the pollution controls accidently fell off the car), I've always thought that the f-bods were more difficult to wrench on.

 

Well it's hard to put personal bias aside but I will try my best.

I would not buy a Ford because I don't believe the Ford powertrains are any good, particularly for the tuner in me. Not when GM and Chrysler have big and lusty V8s available.

Yes, I love the Dodge Charger and I would consider buying one, therefore I would also consider the Challenger, but first I would need to compare it to the lineup in GM's stable. If the Camaro doesn't grab me in terms of value, specifications, style and overall design, I won't buy it for the sake of it. It must be special, it must have character... in a Mustang sort of way but better!