Looks like the 2023 Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro are going to be bitter rivals to the end! These all-American pony cars have been tearing up the pavement for generations now, combining sporty power with a very attainable price tag. So, which should you choose? Our comparison guide takes you on a tour of these infamous sports coupes.
Key Takeaways
- Compared to the Camaro, the Mustang delivers more standard power with its turbocharged base engine!
- Unlike the Mustang, the Camaro offers a high-end, high-performance trim model, the ZL1.
- The Mustang delivers both more front-seat passenger space and a much bigger cargo hold!
- With its driver-centric cockpit and impressive list of comfort and tech upgrades, the Mustang delivers the friendliest cabin.
Standard Performance: 2023 Ford Mustang
Two engines are available for the Ford Mustang, both of which deliver the power you crave. The base 310-horsepower turbocharged engine gives you more power than its Camaro counterpart. If that’s not enough power for you, upgrade to the 5.0-liter V6 engine, which transforms your ride with 450 horses and that telltale V8 purr.
The 2023 Ford Mustang powertrain options include:
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (310 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque)
- 5.0L V8 (450 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Optional 10-speed automatic
With its 275-horsepower engine, the base Camaro can’t keep up with its Mustang counterpart. You can, however, at least attempt to keep up with the Mustang GT with the Camaro’s available 6.2-liter V8 engine! Unlike the Mustang, the Camaro offers a pricey high-performance model (see below).
The 2023 Chevy Camaro powertrain options include:
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (275 hp, 295 lb-ft)
- 3.6L V6 (335 hp, 284 lb-ft)
- 6.2L V8 (455 hp, 455 lb-ft)
- Supercharged 6.2L V8 (650 hp, 650 lb-ft)
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Optional 10-speed automatic
Maximum Horsepower: 2023 Chevy Camaro
Sure, the Mustang comes standard with more power, but the Camaro ultimately surges ahead (going from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds) with its exclusive ZL1 trim model. Under its hood, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine cranks out 650 horses! This Camaro also comes with adaptive suspension dampers, upgraded Brembo brakes, and an adjustable performance exhaust system. Since the ZL1 is no ordinary pony car, it’s priced more like a high-performance model, starting at $67,000.
Although the classic Mustang GT has a special place in our hearts with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, it’s not exactly supercharged. A more direct competitor to the Camaro ZL1 is the 2022 Shelby GT500. Get your hands on one of these high-end Mustang models for even more speed, thanks to a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine (760 hp, 625 lb-ft). The Shelby GT500 adds high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and adaptive suspension, among other upgrades.
Interior Space: 2023 Ford Mustang
Want more front-seat legroom? How about a little extra shoulder room? Then you should definitely stick with the Mustang, which makes front-seat space a priority. However, either of these pony cars offer extra support with available Recaro front sport seats!
Ford’s pony car even maximizes your cargo hold, with 13.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. By comparison, the Camaro offers a paltry 9.1 cubes.To make sure you have enough space for your golf clubs or Black Friday shopping bags, choose the Mustang!
Modern Features: 2023 Ford Mustang
Not only does the Mustang treat you to more space, but it also delivers cushier comforts. The driver-centric cockpit keeps you comfortable for hours on end with its supportive front seats (or available front sport seats with enhanced side bolsters). You’ll also love the SYNC infotainment system, with its 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). From your spot at the wheel, all of the Mustang’s controls are logically laid out, though the automatic climate control system does such a good job of maintaining the right temperature that you’ll hardly ever reach for it.
Like the Mustang, the Camaro delivers a surprisingly smooth, quiet drive for such a high-performance coupe. Unlike the Mustang, though, the Camaro’s front seats could do with a little extra cushioning, especially concerning the bottom cushion. However, we like the Chevy infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Camaro also matches the Mustang with upgrades like dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats!
Make Your Choice
We can’t deny that the Chevy Camaro has style! Nor would we. But it doesn’t have what the Mustang has when it comes to rich interior comfort, extra cargo space, standard power, and available performance upgrades!