2010 Ford Mustang vs 2010 Chevy Camaro
2010 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang got a complete redesign for 2010. The Mustang continues as one of the most widely recognized respected and desired nameplates in the automobile business. It may be retro inspired, but the Mustang is a modern car. The 2010 Mustang delivers bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability. The Mustang is available either as a coupe or convertible, and a powertrain choice of a V6 or a V8. For 2010, the V8 receives an increase in power - producing 315-hp for 2010. New for this year, all Mustangs are equipped with standard electronic stability control and LED sequential tail lamps for enhanced safety. The standard aluminum wheels grow in diameter for this year - now 17" and 18". Fresh new sheet metal wraps around an updated interior, giving the icon a more modern look and feel.
Mustang Power and Handling
The 2010 Mustang's powertrain is similar to the previous generation. The base engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 210 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque. The optional 4.6-liter V-8 receives a 15-hp boost for 2010 thanks to a cold-air induction system; it's now rated at 315 hp and 325 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard for both engines, and both are also available with a five-speed automatic. The Mustang is one of the few cars in the U.S. still using a solid rear axle — an outdated design that has a tendency to transfer impacts from one wheel to the other. Rather than installing a modern independent rear suspension along with the rest of the updates to the 2010 Mustang, Ford retained this design.
2010 Ford Mustang Design
The 2010 Ford Mustang got a more modern, less retro appearance. The new car features a forward-swept grille like its predecessor, but it has a compressed look and a new power-dome hood. The grille also carries a new Mustang badge, and the front fenders feature smoother styling. At the rear of the Mustang there are a number of changes. The taillights have been restyled — they're much less rectangular than before — and this really changes the appearance of the back of the car. The taillights use LEDs, which illuminate progressively when the turn signal is activated. A variety of wheel designs are available for the Mustang. The base V-6 has standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and can be equipped with optional 18-inch aluminum rims. The V-8-powered GT uses 18-inch aluminum rims but can have 19-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the general cabin layout is similar to the previous model. However, premium materials are found more, including a new soft-touch dashboard surface. Ford also restyled the Mustang's gauges and gave it a new center control panel that houses the audio and air-conditioning buttons. The Mustang is also available with Ford's new navigation system that features Sirius Travel Link technology. Standard features include manual air conditioning, a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack and cruise control.
2010 Chevy Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is all-new for 2010. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro combines the spirit of the classic American muscle car with the fuel efficiency, safety, handling, technology and build quality expected in a modern performance coupe. The Camaro is available in three trims: LS, LT and SS. A Choice of V6 or V8 emgines are available. Standard equipment on all Camaros includes independent rear suspension, StabiliTrak stability control with traction control, six airbags, air conditioning, OnStar and XM satellite radio. The LT adds fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and power driver's seat, while the SS features unique front fascia, sport suspension, Brembo brakes, limited slip differential and a rear spoiler. The available RS Package includes 20-inch aluminum wheels with performance tires, distinctive high-intensity headlights with a "halo ring" display, rear spoiler and unique tail lamps. Optional equipment includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity, power sunroof, performance tires, heated leather seats, Boston Acoustic sound system and a variety of exterior stripe packages.
Camaro Power and Handling
The LS and LT are powered by a 300-hp direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The SS's 6.2-liter V8 generates 422 horsepower with the standard six-speed manual, and 400 horsepower with the optional six-speed automatic with sequential shift control. The V8 features GM's Active Fuel Management system, which turns off four cylinders under light driving conditions. The Camaro offers two suspension settings: LS and LT models receive a sport-tuned suspension, called FE2, while SS Camaros get a performance-tuned suspension, called FE3. SS models also get large Brembo brakes and adjustable electronic stability and traction control settings, and manual versions feature Launch Control. The structure of the Camaro is rigid, helping make the turn-in precise for a car this size; the grip is secure, and the damping is solid and supple. The front suspension uses struts, and the rear is an independent multi-link that's rubber isolated. The LT will also stop from 60 mph in a superb 106 feet,
2010 Chevy Camaro Design
The new Camaro may be modern, but there is subtle retro theme that is apparent. The Camaro has a long hood and short rear deck. The front end features a honeycomb grille, and the rear has aggressively styled fenders with air intakes shaped liked gills. All models use an aluminum hood with a 2.5-inch power dome intended to look like cowl induction but actually having no function other than appearance. The shapely strong hips stand out almost as much as the long hood, an edgy element the designer is most proud of, because they took so much work. The new Camaro captures the look of the original '67, while at the same time staying fresh looking. The 2010 Camaro is 5.7 inches longer and 3 inches wider than the '67 Camaro. The trunk is deep but the opening isn't large and it's almost flat, but it's worth it for the handsome rear deck. The interior materials of the new Camaro are good, but the design doesn't rise to the level of the exterior. The retro theme continues on the inside. In a rare instance for GM, the Camaro's steering wheel, radio unit and climate controls are unique to that car, not shared with another GM vehicle.
Conclusions
Two super vehicles, the Camaro is brand new and the Mustang is totally redesigned. Both offer excellent handling with the V6, and even more power with a V8 model. For 2010, Ford has updated many elements of its pony car, which is available in coupe and convertible forms. Ford's Sync electronics, navigation with Sirius Travel Link and a rear-facing camera are among the options never before available on the Mustang. New elements include a restyled exterior and interior, a more powerful optional V-8, and new convenience and safety features. The Chevy Camaro has successfully come back as a retro but totally modern vehicle, and consumers love it. The 2010 Ford Mustang gets an EPA Fuel Economy of 16 – 18 mpg city, and 23 – 26 mpg highway. The Camaro comes in at 16 – 18 mpg in the city and 24 – 29 mpg on the highway. The Ford Mustang has a starting MSRP of $20,995 – $35,995, while the Camaro starts a bit higher at $22,680 – $33,745.
