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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Ford Mustang vs 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
It’s Chevy vs Ford one more time in what might be the final battle as we know it between the Camaro and the Mustang.
Ford Mustang vs Chevrolet Camaro
The year 2023 marks an exciting chapter in the timeless rivalry between two automotive icons: the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro. As these two American muscle cars begin to head in separate directions, the battle for supremacy rages on for at least this year. Each represents performance, style, and engineering, showcasing their respective brands’ commitment to delivering exhilarating driving experiences. Today, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and innovations that define these modern legends, exploring how they stack up against each other in the pursuit of automotive greatness.
Specs
The 2023 Ford Mustang marks the last of its sixth generation and it does so in style. Ford offers it in five trim levels with two engines split among them. The base mill is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. An optional performance package boosts power (literally) to 330 hp. Above that is a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that makes 450 hp in most trims but pumps out 470 hp in Mach 1 guise. Both use either a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive only. Two special trims fall under the Shelby nameplate including the GT500 with its 760 hp supercharged 5.2-liter V8 and the GT500KR with the same engine but a bigger supercharger for 900+ hp. Pricing for the Mustang starts at $29,000 and tops out at an eye-watering $128,000 for the Shelby GT500KR.
Chevrolet’s 2023 model year of the Camaro is the next to last for this generation and its future is still uncertain. For now, it comes in seven normal trims and then one very special one dubbed ZL1. We’ll come back to that but for now, just know that Chevy incorporates three different engines into the normal Camaro trims starting out with a 275 hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Next up is a 335 hp V6 and at the top of the range is a 455 hp V8 that used to serve as the engine in the C7 Corvette. Above that on the ZL1 is a supercharged 650-hp V8. A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the lineup but those who pick the four-cylinder can also get an eight-speed automatic while V6 and V8 buyers can choose a 10-speed auto. Pricing starts at $27,795 and rises to just shy of $80,000 at the top of the range.
Driving and Performance
Each of these cars offers a huge range of performance. The Mustang kicks things off with a punchy and sincerely fun four-cylinder that we can’t help but love. For those who remember the Focus RS, this is the same engine with a few improvements that help it produce steady power and a nice exhaust note.
Above that, the 450-hp V8 is a different beast altogether. Noted both for its power and for its sound, the Coyote V8 is a formidable foe for any who dare to challenge it. We especially appreciate the low-end torque on offer and the available active exhaust. While the automatic transmission is technically faster, we prefer the manual here as the Mustang isn’t really a track car in EcoBoost or GT form. If you’re not after lap times you might as well enjoy the engagement that only a stick can offer.
At the top of the heap, things change quite a bit though. The Shelby GT500 and GT500KR are bonafide race cars for the road. As such, they handle on rails, stop like there’s a parachute at the rear, and require a lot of concentration to get the most from. All of that being said, we think that both the automatic and manual are worthy choices here.
The 2023 Camaro also offers a wide performance envelope but with a very different character. The base four-cylinder is down on power and on panache compared to the engine in the Ford. It’s not bad in terms of performance capability but it’s also not as refined, doesn’t sound as good, and isn’t as fast as the base Mustang EcoBoost.
Where the Camaro feels like a serious bargain is for those who have a budget that tops out around the $35,000 mark. That’s where the V6 lies with all of the extra interior bits available on the Camaro. Sure, it barely makes more power than the performance version of the Mustang EcoBoost but it sounds fabulous and offers truly linear power delivery.
Finally, the LT1, 1SS, and 2SS versions of the Camaro get that beefy 455-hp V8. Not only is it the best-sounding engine here (to our ears at least) but when paired with the 10-speed automatic it feels better balanced than the Mustang GT. The absolutely bonkers ZL1 offers the most track-focused behavior here. Sure, the Shelby’s are both more powerful but that’s not always a good thing in a track setting and we find the Camaro to offer more stable handling and braking. Both of those qualities tend to lead to better corner exit speeds which can make up for the extra grunt under the hood of the Mustangs.
Comfort and Interior
Both of these coupes aim to nod to their past with their interior designs. The Mustang however seems to hit that mark just a bit more accurately. The simple tri-spoke steering wheel matched with the dash and center control stack feels like the modernized Mustang that it is. It also offers great features like heated and ventilated front seats, a big center console storage bin, and folding rear seats. At the same time, it’s worth noting that those rear seats are only suitable for small kids and additional cargo.
The Camaro misses the mark in part because it’s full of plastic and strange design cues that don’t seem to mesh very well. For example, the steering wheel has an odd set of lateral spokes that flare from top to bottom but nothing else in the cabin that really matches that aesthetic. The infotainment system is diminutive and outdated looking. Rearward visibility is atrocious and cargo space is almost non-existent.
Trims and Features
Ford Mustang:
EcoBoost – This trim kicks things off with 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, line-lock, rain-sensing wipers, a 4.2-inch infotainment system, six speakers, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams.
EcoBoost Premium – Luxury is the name of the game on this trim with 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, some leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, an 8-inch infotainment system, nine speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and interior ambient lighting.
GT – The first standard V8 Mustang is the GT and it also gets 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, upgraded brakes, and a manual transmission that automatically rev-matches on downshifts.
GT Premium – This trim is equipped similarly to the EcoBoost Premium but with the V8.
Mach 1 – The Mach 1 is the most track-capable Mustang shy of the Shelby versions. It gets 19-inch wheels, performance tires, an active exhaust system, a Torsen limited-slip differential, a digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch infotainment system, nine speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a cue-ball shift knob.
Chevrolet Camaro:
1LS – The base Camaro comes with 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, multiple drive modes, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 7-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, and a wifi hotspot.
1LT – The V6 is available though not standard at this trim. What buyers do get is a power-adjustable passenger seat and satellite radio.
2LT – This trim includes dual-zone climate control as well as heated and ventilated front seats.
3LT – At the 3LT level you’ll get the nicest Camaro available without a V8. It gets heated wing mirrors, an 8-inch infotainment system, nine speakers, an upgraded digital gauge cluster, a digital rearview mirror, driver’s seat memory settings, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, forward collision warning, a heads-up display, and rear parking sensors.
LT1 – This is the base V8 model of the Camaro and it loses most of the interior features from the 3LT. It does however come with 20-inch wheels, Brembo front brakes, an external engine oil cooler, and a performance-tuned suspension.
1SS – This trim adds unique 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes both front and rear, even more powertrain cooling, a rear spoiler, an upgraded gauge cluster, and an 8-inch infotainment system.
2SS – Consider this a blend of the 3LT with the V8 engine.
ZL1 – This Camaro gets the supercharged 650 hp V8 along with 20-inch wheels, bigger Brembo brakes, an adaptive suspension, adjustable exhaust, an electronic limited-slip differential, Recaro front seats, alloy pedals, and a ZL1-specific rear spoiler.
The Verdict
I might hate saying that both cars in a head-to-head are good, but that’s just the truth here. In terms of value for money, it’s really hard to pick the Ford though. Yes, it features a better base model and more power at the top end but it’s considerably more expensive throughout different sections of the range. It’s also not as composed on track as the V8 versions of the Camaro which is kind of the whole point with a hardcore muscle car. If speed is your main focus we like the Chevy. If you want an everyday driver that can be fun when called upon, the Mustang provides personality plus. In this classic battle of Ford vs Chevy, it’s the drivers of both who win.
