V6 Camaro or V6 Mustang?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 676
From: Rixeyville, VA
V6 Camaro or V6 Mustang?
I am considering getting a V6 car for my nearly 18 yo son. I have been looking at 4th-gen Camaros, and am think about expanding the search to include pre-2005 V6 Mustangs. (I know, blasphemy!)
My thing is that the 4th-gen is primarily a LT1/LS1 delivery platform, with damn little in refinements or comforts. I love my '97 'vert, but it is a low-mileage special edition. I've driven a few V6 cars, but have yet to find a nice one. I have *not* driven a V6 Mustang, but I see a lot of them for sale, and they look to be in nice shape. Should a die-hard Chevy man even think of this???
My thing is that the 4th-gen is primarily a LT1/LS1 delivery platform, with damn little in refinements or comforts. I love my '97 'vert, but it is a low-mileage special edition. I've driven a few V6 cars, but have yet to find a nice one. I have *not* driven a V6 Mustang, but I see a lot of them for sale, and they look to be in nice shape. Should a die-hard Chevy man even think of this???
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,592
From: N Falmouth MA
Don't get me started on fords..
Anyway.. I think the 3800 V6's are STRONG engines!!! I've seen a LOT of them w/ 200K + miles and they STILL pull like crazy!!! Strap a turbo on it and a stroker kit and call it good!
Anyway.. I think the 3800 V6's are STRONG engines!!! I've seen a LOT of them w/ 200K + miles and they STILL pull like crazy!!! Strap a turbo on it and a stroker kit and call it good!
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 127
I had a 1997 Camaro V6 M5 with the Y87 package for nine years and it was the BEST car I ever had. I think it was in the shop only four times the entire time I had it and they were for minor things.
The car was relatively fast for a V6; they have 200 hp, and are fast enough to keep up with stock Mustang GT from the late 90'and early 00's. The Y87 package basically made it a Z28 without the V8; it actually handled better than my current Z28. I drove V6 Mustangs and there is no comparison. One other thing is that they'd cruise all day at 80 mph and still give good mileage.
The car was relatively fast for a V6; they have 200 hp, and are fast enough to keep up with stock Mustang GT from the late 90'and early 00's. The Y87 package basically made it a Z28 without the V8; it actually handled better than my current Z28. I drove V6 Mustangs and there is no comparison. One other thing is that they'd cruise all day at 80 mph and still give good mileage.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 8,319
From: US 1 Mile Marker 52 in the Florida Keys
if you're looking into the 4th gens...i'd suggest looking for the 98+
you'll get the 3.8L which is a great engine, but more importanly (for a kid) you'll get a great set of brakes.
even the v6s got the better brakes than what came on the 93-97 models.
for a small cost you can throw on some good pads and be that much more confident in the stopping ability of the car.
you'll get the 3.8L which is a great engine, but more importanly (for a kid) you'll get a great set of brakes.
even the v6s got the better brakes than what came on the 93-97 models.
for a small cost you can throw on some good pads and be that much more confident in the stopping ability of the car.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,507
From: FTW, TX
93-97 have the 3.4L which was anemic and the 60* V6's have some inherent problems like lower intake manifold gasket failures.
I agree, get the 3.8L models for the tried and tested (for decades) 90* V6 and the better braking.
I've driven some V6 Mustangs when my wife was looking at cars.....no thanks. I wasn't impressed with anything about them. The Grand Am GT she got was more enjoyable to drive.
I agree, get the 3.8L models for the tried and tested (for decades) 90* V6 and the better braking.
I've driven some V6 Mustangs when my wife was looking at cars.....no thanks. I wasn't impressed with anything about them. The Grand Am GT she got was more enjoyable to drive.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,577
From: Sandy VJJville
I have a 93 with a 3.4 and I can't say anything bad about that engine other than being pretty slow. It's got 215,000 miles on it and it's never had the valve covers off. Still runs reliably as hell. I still make out of state trips with it with complete confidence.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,577
From: Sandy VJJville
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 273
From: Daytona Beach
there is a reason for that.
not unless you want to give up your status as a die-hard Chevy man, which I would not recommend, as GM is the best US car company!
Shop around in the late nineties - 02 range and be flexible and patient & you'll find something; last time I went looking I cam out the door with a 97 V6 fbird for about $6K with 40something K on it which I don't think is to bad
Stick with the 3.8s though, as alot of people will say the 3.8 ( or 5.7 respectively for the V8 ) is the best motor made.
not unless you want to give up your status as a die-hard Chevy man, which I would not recommend, as GM is the best US car company!
Shop around in the late nineties - 02 range and be flexible and patient & you'll find something; last time I went looking I cam out the door with a 97 V6 fbird for about $6K with 40something K on it which I don't think is to bad
Stick with the 3.8s though, as alot of people will say the 3.8 ( or 5.7 respectively for the V8 ) is the best motor made.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,768
From: Friendswood, TX, USA
I'm going to try and leave my prejudices aside, so,.. everything I've read seems to indicate that the V6 Mustang, being lighter, is quicker then the V6 Camaro. Also you could get a much newer, ergo, nicer Mustang. Ford sold more V6 Mustangs then V8's for a reason.
Sorry, but I think you are TOTALLY wrong on this one. What
are you talking about?
My thing is that the 4th-gen is primarily a LT1/LS1 delivery platform, with damn little in refinements or comforts.
refinements and comforts