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2018 Pony Car Rivalry_ Camaro vs Mustang vs Challenger

2018 Pony Car Rivalry: Camaro vs Mustang vs Challenger

The Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger are three of the most talked-about, move-the-needle, eagerly anticipated, gotta-drive cars every year. And the 2018 model year is no different.

Taken individually, these three cars compare favorably against most other cars on the road. But in a strict pony car comparison, figuring out which car takes the checkered flag can be quite a chore. And then there also is the price range comparison, whether or not the car is worth the money. But as exorbitantly expensive as they come, many people set up a trust deed and acquire them, come hell or high water. The Camaro has been around since 1967, the Mustang since 1965, and the Challenger since 1970 (1959, if you count the Silver Challenger). Ford, Chevy, and Dodge use these cars as the ultimate measuring stick.

The 2018 model year is one of the most competitive, from a performance standpoint. Challenger fans have plenty to cheer about. Mustang enthusiasts likewise. And Camaro owners still think their pony will win any race.

How do these 3 legendary pony cars stack up against each other? We took a look at the latest performance specs – and the results might surprise you!

Regardless of your favorite pony car, PFYC carries a complete assortment of quality, affordable, premium aftermarket components for under the hood, bumper to bumper, and every place in between!

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Roots in Racing: The Story Behind Each Pony Car

The Dodge Challenger actually started in 1959 as the Silver Challenger. But the Challenger as we know it today was formally introduced in 1970, in the form of a 2-door convertible. The Camaro first rolled off Chevy production lines in 1967, and the pony car market was changed forever. The ’67 Camaro came in both a coupe and convertible. Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang (the only pony car with an actual pony-inspired name, by the way) made a memorable debut with a 2-door roadster in 1965.

Each initial car is considered a classic automobile today. The late models, conversely, are some of the most highly anticipated vehicles every year. Let’s look at each of these ponies in their present designs.

For comparison purposes, we selected the following three models:

  • 2018 Chevy Camaro 2-Door Convertible ZL1
  • 2018 Dodge Challenger RWD SRT Hellcat Widebody
  • 2018 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT350R

Price

How do these three pony cars impact your wallet? The Camaro checks in at $64,800, the Challenger at $62,140, and the Mustang $52,863.

Fantastic Features

These ponies have serious strengths. Critics love the Camaro’s Magnetic Ride Control, while the Challenger earns rave reviews for race-ready factory specs. The Challenger is renowned for factory performance, and the 2018 RWD SRT Hellcat Widebody doesn’t disappoint. The Mustang, meanwhile, impresses with a stylish instrument cluster and MagneRide. Magnetic-powered dampers and shocks make the Mustang’s ride effortless, impressive, and worth the purchase.

Tire Talk

No pony is complete without some hefty hooves – in this case, we’re talking tires. The rear tire sizes are:

  • Camaro – P285/30R20 (aluminum wheels)
  • Challenger – P305/35YR20 (forged aluminum wheels)
  • Mustang – P315/30ZR19 (carbon fiber wheels)

20” tires are pretty much the norm these days with pony cars, even though the Mustang sports 19” tires in a P315/30ZR19 configuration. What’s more, each wheel design features aggressive lines and stylish profiles.

Engine

Let’s head under the hood and compare the displacement and horsepower.

  • Camaro – 6.2 L, 650 HP @ 6400 RPM
  • Challenger – 6.2 L, 707 HP @ 6000 RPM
  • Mustang – 5.2 L, 526 HP @ 7500 RPM

All three ponies impress here; even the 5.2 L Mustang generates 526 horses at 7500 RPM. The Dodge Challenger shines in the efficiency department, with 707 HP @ 6000 PRM. But all ponies offer plenty of horses, so you can’t go wrong with any vehicle.

Fuel Economy

Pony cars aren’t just about power – premium MPGs matter, too. So how do they stack up? Here are the combined (city / highway) mileage specs:

  • Camaro – 16 MPG
  • Challenger – 16 MPG
  • Mustang – 16 MPG

If you own one of these three pony cars, there’s a good bet you’re more concerned with MPH than MPG. But recent advancements in engine technology – Chevy, Ford, and Dodge engineers are always looking to streamline performance – give each of these cars some gas-sipping credentials. Other models yield even better results, so check the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang lineup if you’re interested in better gas mileage. What’s interesting about these numbers is that the Camaro and Challenger are just as fuel-friendly as the Mustang, even though the Chevy and Dodge models have a 6.2 L engine, while the Mustang checks in with a 5.2 L.

Curb Weight / Size Classification

Pony cars keep getting bigger – but these automobiles still find a way to strike a balance between safety and superior performance, thanks to ideal curb weight figures.

  • Camaro – 4,113 lbs. (compact)
  • Challenger – 4,448 lbs. (mid-size)
  • Mustang – 3,662 lbs. (subcompact)

The Mustang we’re comparing to the Camaro and Challenger is decidedly lighter than the others, and it shows with quick acceleration and great handling. But rest assured, the Camaro and Challenger have speed to burn.

Which one should you pick? It all comes down to personal preference. We think you really can’t go wrong with any of these pony cars. And when you need to tweak, improve, or modify stock components, head over to PFYC for the best selection of premium aftermarket accessories for all three automobiles!

PFYC is your home for all the best interior components, exterior accessories, engine upgrades, and many other parts for the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang. With a full selection of the best aftermarket accessories, we’re sure you’ll love our parts for these three must-have automobiles. To browse our parts, please click on the following links:

All of our parts come with PFYC’s famous Low Price Guarantee, which includes sale protection, price matching, double product warranties, and other incentives.

Have questions about your next upgrade? Give PFYC a call today at 866-695-7392. We’re here to help with all of your pony car questions!

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