We love to argue the merits of today’s pony cars.
The Mustang/Camaro/Challenger question always inspires passion. It’s an argument that inevitably turns to (or begins with) the power output of V8 trims, and that’s where the Ford Mustang GT couldn’t quite hang with its competition.
But all those arguments happened when the Mustang GT had a 4.6-liter V8 under its hood. The famed 5.0 disappeared in 1995. Since then, many ‘Stang lovers have yearned for a proper 5.0 badge to adorn the ‘ol GT’s fenders. Well, friends, it’s back for 2011 and lemme tell ya, the Hemi-powered Challenger and SS Camaro now have reason to quiver in their rubber-wrapped boots.
Just like the old days, this new 5.0 is 302 cubic inches. Unlike the old days, the new version pumps out a magnificent 412 horsepower, compared to the 1995 5.0 that managed just 215 hp.
Thanks to a choice between a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, together with variable cam technology and Ford’s electronic power steering, an automatic Mustang GT will be able to achieve 25 mpg on the highway. In manual dress, both the 2010 and 2011 get 17 mpg in the city and 24 highway.
While specific specs haven’t been released yet, we expect the 2011 Mustang GT will scream to 60 in the mid-4-second range. The speedometer tops out at 160 mph, and, of course, new 5.0 badges adorn the fenders. Pricing on the ’10 GT starts at $27,995, and Ford knows they can’t push it up much more.
So how does this all compare to the Hemi and the SS? Mustang’s got ’em licked. Sort of.
The Dodge Challenger SRT8 uses a 6.1-liter V8 to produce 425 horsepower, but manages mpg numbers of only 14/22. Plus, it costs more than $40K and pulls the 0-60 run in about 5 seconds. The 2011 Mustang is (should be) cheaper, faster, and get better fuel economy.
The Camaro SS makes it a closer contest. Its 6.2-liter V8 produces 426 horses with the manual six-speed transmission (400 horsepower with the auto). Fuel economy in the manual is 16/24, with the auto delivering 1 more mpg on the highway. Zero-to-60 comes in about 4.6 seconds, making the 2011 Mustang GT and Camaro SS a virtual dead heat in performance numbers. Price wise, the Camaro SS starts at $30,745, making the Mustang the least expensive option.
Combine its low price with performance numbers that compete with the Challenger’s and Camaro’s, and I’d say we have a clear winner: the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT!
Of the V8 beasts, which gets your vote as king of the pony cars: the Challenger SRT8, Camaro SS, or Mustang GT?
-tgriffith
@ Michael
Damm man, how many times can you be wrong? I guess anything is possible when you don’t know what you’re talking about.
The 2010 mustang has a 4.6 liter not a 5.0 liter. So I have no doubt your challenger smoked it. It has a hundred less HP than the 2011 5.0. Don’t get me wrong the challengers are badass but for the price you can’t beat the new 5.0. @ challenger rt
need to know where i can get one of these 5.0 Liter v8 412hp monsters and how much am i looking at
Mopar Action ran a bone stock 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 thru the quarter in 12.29 at 111. Dodge says the 392 has 470 HP but a Dyno says it has 530! The Challenger is putting 452 HP to the wheels! Sorry Mustang owners, put a fork in it, YOU’RE DONE!!!!!!!
Ok, the mustang is nice yes, but if your really gonna compare the mustang and the camaro compare the same year of both, give GM year and Ford will have their tails between their legs.The LS series engine is pushrod technology still kicking all the 4v bullshit Ford can try and throw at it, if it ain’t broken don’t fix in improve it, dollar for dollar and LS motor will make more power than a Ford. I own a 2000 Trans Am which i built myself 450whp N/A, their is no way you can make a 4.6 of any year N/A, make that much power for the same price. Don’t say throw a turbo or a supercharger on it cause if you do the same to both guess whos always gonna make more power. Drumroll the LS1. By the way watch the races between the new mustang gt 2011 and the heavier camaro 2010,throw an exhaust and intake on both cars and the camaro will win.
well i actually have a 5.0 and so far i have takin out 3 camaros 6 srt-8s and a couple evos…
the mustang is definately the fastest no questions asked
Dude a GT500 will smoke a stock camaro. The GT500 just cant catch any traction.
Dude your so full of it. Stop being a Mustang Homer. Ford puts out more crap mustangs than you could shake a stick at. Then you magically pull up to a SS Camaro and smoke it. Come on. THe cars are roughly the same. They tested a 2010 Shelby GT500 against the 2010 Camaro SS. The stock Camaro gave it a run. Your GT is nice, but its like the sun. I see it every day. Who doesnt own a Mustang???
@Michael
Actually, the 2011 Mustang GT will weigh about 350lbs less than the stated curb weight of the Camaro SS, which is about 200lbs under what it really weighs. These are real numbers folks…2010 Camaro SS weighs, with a 225lb driver…4380lbs. I kid you not. Besides, most of the ’10 SS owners around here can’t drive anyways, they lose to a 12 year old 305hp 4.6L mustang with just a gear swap.
@ challenger rt
the challanger is the slowest. 4.9 seconds
http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/2010/top-2010-Dodge-Challenger-SRT8.htm
and the 2010 mustang has 4.6L This article is about the 2011. So congrats on beating a 4.6
either way, i’ll take the camaro
FINALLY, a Mustang that sits atop median-income sports cars, like it’s supposed to! I was absolutely SICK of tiny imports and semi-sporty sedans licking Mustangs in performance and price!!! It’s just sad that it took Chevrolet reviving the Camaro, to light a fire under Ford’s butts! They should have made the Stang a true Screamer YEARS AGO. Dang!!!
I absolutely love this car!!! i just got mine yesterday, it’s the GTCS with the 3.73 gears, shaker 1,000, and the glass roof. It’s funny, because as soon as i got off the lot there was a 2010 Camaro-SS right next to me when i got up to the light… let’s just say i decided to do a 0-80 pull considering i test this baby out a little bit… i smoked the camaro by at least 2 to 3 car lengths lol yes, the camaro was trying
@Michael
actually your wrong:
the new gt will weigh 300 lbs less then the camaro
its true ford rated it at 412 hp, but the dyno tested different. they proved upwords of about 430 hp
so between 300 lbs less and vitually the same hp, the mustang is the clear winner
Rumor has it the 11’GT is actually a bit quicker or at least on par with the E92 M3!
This car will definitely be on my short list once it’s time to buy a new car.
The Camaro SS has nothing on the 11′ Mustang GT! Hell even the 10′ GT won more comparison test due to way better handling, etc. Now not only will this 11′ Mustang GT demolish the Camaro around the road course it’s going to be quicker at the drag strip!
Time to stop the arguing the 2011 Mustang is a BADASS!Here are the numbers please stop your crying now or you may want to start!LOL!
Wheelbase 107.1 in
Track, f/r 62.3/62.9 in
Length x width x height 188.1 x 73.9 x 55.8 in
Turning circle 36.7 ft
Curb weight 3620 lb
Weight dist., f/r 55/45 %
Seating capacity 4
Headroom, f/r 38.5/34.7 in
Legroom, f/r 42.4/29.8 in
Shoulder room, f/r 55.3/51.6 in
Cargo volume 13.4 cu ft
TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30 1.6 sec
0-40 2.5
0-50 3.3
0-60 4.3
0-70 5.5
0-80 6.9
0-90 8.5
0-100 10.3
Passing, 45-65 mph 2.1
Quarter mile 12.8 sec @ 110.8 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 105 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.94 g (avg)
MT figure eight 25.3 sec @ 0.75 g (avg)
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph 1900 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
Base price $30,495
Price as tested $39,750
Stability/traction control Yes/yes
Airbags Dual front, front side
Basic warranty 3 yrs/36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance 5 yrs/60,000 miles
Fuel capacity 16.0 gal
EPA city/hwy econ 17/26 mpg
CO2 emissions 0.96 lb/mile
Recommended fuel Unleaded premium
the new 2011 are completly different under the hood than the 2010.@challenger rt
because it’s not on the size of the engine, but how it’s built. I never have been a big fan of the 5.4 block, but reading on the specs with our new 5.0, it’s gonna make a lot more power for cheaper then adding onto the 5.4 block. and it’s aluminum and a lighter motor! @Michael
yeah thats why EVERY website says that.
@ challenger rt
@ Tait Jonnson
the mustang has never been out of the pony race it has always led the pack. you are crazy if you think the challenger could take the mustang. the only competition the Mustang has is the Camaro and now that the 5.0 is back ha the camaro won’t even be able to touch it.
First of all the 0-60 spec on the mustang is expected to do mid 4’s 0 to 60, it hasn’t been proven yet. The new engine will put the Mustang back in the pony cat race, but only time will tell if it will knock the Camaro off the top spot. I dont think it will beat it performance wise, but I guess in a few months we will all find out.
@challenger rt
hahaahh r u kiddin me 4.4 lol an m5 with 505 horsepower pulls those nums, a 569 hp cts-v pulls a 4.1 not like the 3.8 websites were talkin about a stock corvette pulls 4.3 and ur sayin a challenger will pull 4.4 yea mybe with alot of hopes and dreams and even with those some NOS wouldnt be a bad idea hahahahahahah
@challenger rt
No sorry dude no one is going to buy that…
michael, are you stupid? Ford won’t spend that much effort just to get beat by a 2010 camaro. Sounds like we have a fan boy. Not to mention it’s not 3900, curb is 36’s. Sorry your camaro can’t keep up handling or speed.
This website is sooo wrong…the challegenr srt8 gets a 0-60 in the mid 4s,like 4.6 or 4.7 i saw a stock one make 4.4 one time. My Challenger R/T smoked a 2010 mustang last night and they are supposed to be faster and lighter. well lighter yes faster no. Every web site gives off false Specs on challengers.
The new GT will weigh 3900 lbs same as camaro…and has 14 less hp and 60 less ft lb of torque and will be more expensive than the camaro but still less than a challanger. And why would u want the gt500 to downgrade from the 5.4 to the 5.0…………??
I’d say value for the money, its the Mustang.
If someone wants all out horsepower, there’s always Shelby. Just thinking that if the current GT500KR makes 540 horsepower, I wonder what a 2011 Shelby based on the new 5.0 liter aluminum motor would do.
I’ve always wondered why 2 seaters never really took off in the US.
as always the clear winner here is the mustang
Hey,if it’s cheaper, it’s GOOTTA be better,right ?
GIVE ME A BREAK !!!