Modern muscle cars are far more than straight-line specialists. Nowadays, a big V8 up front and power to the back must also package nicely with some sharp handling bits in between. Two fantastic examples of this are the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE and Ford Mustang GT with the Performance Package Level 2 (PPL2)… but which is better? To find out, Car And Driver grabbed an example of each and put ‘em through the wringer.
As Car And Driver describes them, the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE and Ford Mustang GT Performance Package Level 2 (PPL2) are considered the “light heavyweights” of the muscle car lineup – not the most powerful, but still packing quite a punch.
Speaking of “punch,” the Camaro SS 1LE is equipped with the 6.2L LT1 V8 making 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. On top of this, the 1LE Track Performance package adds in 20-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 performance rubber, performance suspension with Magnetic Ride Control dampers, dual-mode performance exhaust, performance brakes with 6-piston front monobloc brake calipers and 4-piston rear brake calipers, an electronic limited-slip diff, Recaro performance bucket seats, flat-bottom suede steering wheel and suede shift knob.
Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang GT PPL2 slots in between the Mustang GT’s Performance package and the Shelby GT350, adding in a host of handling upgrades, such as larger anti-roll bars, magnetorheological dampers, aggressive springs, a Torsen limited-slip differential, bigger brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on 19-inch wheels. And, like the Camaro, the Mustang also comes with a six-speed manual transmission.
In this test, pricing “as equipped” was within $150 between the two contestants.
In the end, the Chevrolet Camaro walked away victorious. The testers called it “a sports car with the bellow of a muscle car. A muscle car with the finesse of a sports car,” praising its superb ride quality and precise steering. The Camaro managed to pull 1.11 Gs in lateral acceleration, a 70-mph stop distance in 140 feet, a slalom speed of 45.3 mph, all of which closely mirrored the numbers posted by the Mustang. However, unlike the Ford, the Chevy product never felt “as though it [was] breaking a sweat while performing those feats.”
Interestingly, Car And Driver’s biggest praise was for the LT1 engine, which provided an entertaining soundtrack with fantastic pops and bangs on the overrun, not to mention plenty of thrusts, even with the Chevy’s tall gearing.
The only place the Chevrolet Camaro fell short was in the cabin, where the testers critiqued the design, “substandard” materials, and cramped space. Meanwhile, the Ford lost by just three points, but as the outlet points out, “there was never a circumstance when our drivers wouldn’t have preferred to drive the Camaro instead of the Mustang.”
The Ford was a handful on the freeway, tramlining and providing a rough, bouncy ride. The Mustang did manage 1.13 Gs of lateral acceleration, but the steering was “light and springy” and the six-speed exhibited long throws. The Mustang’s torque deficiency (35 pound-feet compared to the Camaro) also put a damper on its fun potential.
All told, the muscle car is alive and well. And it’s best with a Bow Tie on the nose, at least for the time being. For those that agree, subscribe to GM Authority for more Camaro news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage. And feel free to read the entire write-up at the following link: Car And Driver.
Comments
Once again, I’ve been in and drove both…still not getting where the traditional GM critique of “substandard” materials is coming from. The Mustang is easily as plastic-y, never mind the Camaro uses real metal for it’s bright work where as the Mustang uses plastic?!? Whatever.
That said, I will admit, this is the ONLY variant of the 2019 face lift SS that looks half decent. Something about the black hood, air-dam, and black wheels seems to compliment the 2019 “blackface” SS fascia and create a ‘so ugly and menacing it’s cool’ affect.
mustang beats camaro where it counts the most … sales.
You know what NFL stands for right? Not for long if it keeps losing to Camaro in these categories, plus the Camaro just looks so much better…?????
Hate to burst your bubble.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/07/there-will-be-no-sixth-gen-chevrolet-camaro-z28/
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/04/chevrolet-camaro-sales-numbers-figures-results-first-quarter-2019-q1/
???
…then the Toyota Camry is way better than the Mustang?
Right so you’re going to bring up a car that’s not comparable to either the Camaro or Mustang.
Straight from the horse’s mouth…
https://www.thedrive.com/news/23476/chevy-camaros-chief-engineer-admits-ford-mustang-is-eating-our-lunch-in-sales
You can tell the fanboys I get downvotes for posting stories from this site, and that guy gets upvotes for comparing a Camry to Mustangs and Camaros. ???
Those downvotes don’t change the fact that GM gets smoked on sales when compared to the Mustang and they are stopping production…AGAIN.
Stop blabbering nonsense, the mustang is faster at 0-60 and in the quarter mile, go look it up, oh I forgot the trolls are on a GM website. And, if the Camaro always beats the mustang then why is the camaro going out of production for the 2nd time in 20 years?
You’re too angry to post, bud. Take a breather before you blow a gasket.
Per Motor Trend’s SS 1LE vs. PP2 shootout:
1/4 mile times:
1LE-12.4
PP2-12.6
That comment is equivalent to saying a Ferrari is no good because there are more Toyotas sold then the Italian beauty.
Nice one sided review. Unless I missed it somewhere, you give no inkling of the Stang’s horsepower and torque. I bet the Stang is quite a few ponies less. Yet, still manages a close competitive showdown.
SS 1LE: 455hp
GT PP2: 460hp
🙂
You forgot the torque!
Don said, “I bet the Stang is quite a few ponies less.”. I; therefore, posted the hp stats. Yes, the Mustang is down on torque by 35 lb./ft. If you’re angry about it, take it up with Ford. They choose to run a 5.0L DOHC engine versus GM’s 6.2L push-rod engine. The smaller cubed engine revs very high, but doesn’t have the low-end torque. Again, take it up with Ford. Demand that they match the torque of their GM rival.
You know it may benefit you to do a little research before you hit enter on a post like that. Unless you just really like the taste of your foot.
There is another comparison video on YouTube that placed the SS 1LE against the GT PP2 and they tracked them both back-to-back. The 1LE beat the PP2 by ~2 seconds. It just goes to show that the 1LE is a very impressive machine and the only way Ford can touch it, is to grab a GT350 for ~$20k more.
Well done, GM! A track monster indeed!!!
Not a surprise at all.
I own ZL1 a few up grades still can’t find a stang to keep up, shelby’s 1000 was damn close, however he paid me to school him. Thanks ford always love seeing you barely in my rear view mirrors lol. That’s what counts.
Some people say that the Ford logo’s “Oval” orignated when Henry Ford was an apprentice.
His instructor taught Him to always circle His mistakes.
I own an almost exact duplicate of the car shown, only difference is tint of red. I can assure you the car is outstanding in every category! I have owned, built and bought many GM vehicles over the last 45 years and I can unequivocally say I love this car! For a street vehicle intended for everyday use, it just doesn’t get much better!
People who can afford GM and want American stuck buying ford or Chrysler, that must really suck.
Why not compare highest end to highest end. Ford produces the GT350 and the GT500, not Shelby. It just carries their name badge. So how about instead of using a mid model to high model, you do high to high. Not like Chevy would stand a chance. Makes sense they would use the PPL2. Next time just use the ECOBoost to REEEAAALLY prove a point ?
Uh…the 1LE isn’t a “high model”. It is simply an SS that is focused towards road courses. Upgraded wheels, upgraded tires, upgraded suspension, upgraded brakes, etc..
The PP2 Mustang is the same exact concept. It is simply a GT with the same upgraded bits, in order to tackle road courses too. Ford even put more aggressive tires on the PP2 (Pilot Sport Cup 2’s), than what the 1LE is wearing (GY Eagle Supercar G3’s).
They are on the same playing field. No more vodka for you. 😉