Muscle Car Comparison: Chevrolet Camaro vs Ford Mustang

Since the 1960s, the ruler of the American muscle car market has been hotly contested, with the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang consistently battling for supremacy. Both models have continuously moved forward to offer ever-improving performance, safety, and technology, while retaining the styling characteristics that have always made them America’s favorite sports cars.

Here at Applegate Chevrolet, we aim to help drivers from Flint, Burton, Beecher, and other areas of Mid Michigan make an informed decision when choosing a high-performance muscle car. Here, we compare the 2022 Camaro and Mustang to see which model comes out on top.

Exterior Styling

With the 2022 Chevy Camaro, available from Applegate Chevrolet, you can choose from eight trims, and all but the base 1LS model offer the option of a convertible roof. While the current coupe’s profile is reminiscent of the legendary Camaro models of the 1960s and 1970s, the latest model has a sleek, futuristic appearance.

With its low, wide stance, bold front fascia, bulging hood, chiseled profile, and powerful haunches, the Camaro has an aggressive road presence. The distinctive signature LED lighting makes it stand out from its rivals by day and night. A wide variety of appearance and performance packages enable you to customize your Camaro to suit your style.

For 2022, the Ford Mustang is offered in five trim levels, each available as a fastback and three also as a convertible. With styling elements such as a wide grille, sloping roofline, and three-bar taillights, the Mustang’s pony car heritage is unmistakable. However, the LED lighting, muscular fenders, and aerodynamic features show this pony is not just a throwback to the 60s. A wheel and stripe package or accent package lets you add an individual touch to the Mustang.

Power

The Camaro’s engine lineup starts with a responsive and fuel-efficient four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo that delivers 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque while giving you up to 30 mpg for highway driving. The 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT models offer the option of a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that generates 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. The Camaro LT1 and SS trims feature a powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine delivering 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. The ZL1 comes standard with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that pumps out 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.

As standard, the Camaro features a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. With the base engine, you can opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, while the V-6 and V-8 offer the option of a 10-speed auto.

The Mustang’s base engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo that gives 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It also returns up to 30 mpg on the highway. The Mustang GT and Mach 1 models get a 5.0-liter V-8 that develops 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Under the Shelby GT500’s hood is a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 that delivers 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque.

A six-speed manual is standard for most models, with a 10-speed auto as an option. The Shelby GT500 comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Handling

Both the Camaro and Mustang are designed for high-performance driving and offer track-specific features, such as launch control and line lock. The suspension and brakes can be upgraded, and you can opt for magnetic ride control. However, the Camaro is lighter than the Mustang, and the experts tend to agree that the Camaro has sharper and more precise handling characteristics, particularly on winding back roads.

Interior

In the Camaro’s stylish cabin, retro touches, such as the circular chrome air vents, give it a classy look. A wide range of available interior color schemes and spectrum lighting systems lets you customize the cabin just the way you want it. In the cockpit, all the controls are conveniently placed at your fingertips. The touch screen is angled forward slightly to avoid glare from the sun and interior lighting. The standard power-adjustable driver’s seat enables you to find the perfect position.

The Mustang’s interior also has a retro feel, but there are some basic-looking plastic panels. You can choose from several applique panel options to add a personal touch. Satin chrome accents, bright chrome speaker surrounds, and ambient lighting add some elegance to the cabin.

Technology

With the Camaro’s available reconfigurable 8-inch digital instrument display, you can personalize the way your vehicle’s essential information is displayed. An available color head-up display projects speed, tachometer, selected gear, G-force, navigation, phone information, and more onto the windshield.

The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system features a 7- or 8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration with voice command. You can opt for a seven- or nine-speaker Bose audio system for superb sound reproduction. Chevrolet Connected Access and the myChevrolet mobile app enable you to take advantage of features such as Chevrolet Smart Driver, vehicle diagnostics, maintenance alerts, Chevrolet Marketplace, and more.

The Mustang offers the option of a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The base EcoBoost trim has a 4.2-inch central infotainment display, while higher spec models add the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Depending on the trim, you get a six- or nine-speaker audio system, or you can opt for a premium B&O sound system. With the FordPass app, you can get important vehicle information on your mobile device.

Price

The 2022 Camaro 1LS coupe has a starting MSRP of $26,895, while the price for convertible models starts at $32,895 for the 1LT. For the top-of-the-line Camaro ZL1 coupe, the starting MSRP is $64,395.

The entry-level 2022 Mustang EcoBoost Fastback starts with an MSRP of $27,420, with the EcoBoost convertible starting at $32,970. The starting MSRP for the Mustang Shelby GT500 is $79,420.

When comparing the 2022 Camaro and Mustang, they’re very close, but the Chevy comes out on top for price, handling, technology, and interior quality. We think the Camaro wins on style as well, but that’s a matter of personal taste. Come visit us at Applegate Chevrolet in Flint, Michigan, for a close-up look at the Chevy Camaro and the outstanding features that put it ahead of the competition.