2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

4:16 min

Now that the long awaited 2010 Chevy Camaro is finally here, we couldn�t resist running it head to head with some of the biggest names in American muscle � Just like decades past, it�s Ford Mustang GT versus Chevy Camaro SS versus Dodge Challenger R/T� each car has history, each car has merit and each has its own distinct sound.

But each coupe goes about combining past and present in very different ways. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the exterior styling

The recently updated Mustang clearly brings to mind late 60s fastback Mustangs but adds a modern, and more menacing attitude � especially up front.

The Challenger on the other hand has a remarkably restrained look. The purest interpretation of the original, it�s subtle but still aggressive.

The Camaro is the most dramatic looking � its body work is more sculpted, busy almost, and it�s the most contemporary looking car of the three, although its nod to the past is obvious. Opt for the RS package as we did and you�ll get features like bigger 20 inch wheels and headlights with these tough looking halo lights.

Thankfully, the Camaro SS can back up the sneering look. A quick check of the spec sheet shows the Camaro SS to be the most powerful.  With a 426 hp, 6.2 liter V8 it is a fierce competitor � even die hard Blue Oval fans can see, this Chevy will be tough to beat.

With a six speed manual, The SS Camaro gets from 0-60 in 5 seconds flat  � 4.7 with rollout. The angry sound only adds to thrill. The Camaro is also remarkably easy to launch hard and turns in a blistering � mile run of 13 seconds flat @ 110.9 mph.

That�s much quicker than the Challenger � even with a potent 5.7 liter V8 the Dodge is nearly a full second off the Camaro�s � mile pace. Yet it�s the most expensive car in our test with expected features like a manual transmission and limited slip rear diff costing extra.

But the Mustang splits the difference with a 13.5 second � mile run plus it�s only two tenths of second off the Camaro�s 0-60 time. The Mustang GT is the lightest car in the test and that�s exactly why it can out-drag the Challenger despite being down 61 hp.

Both the Mustang GT and Camaro SS get around the cones at about the same rate but the Camaro feels big, the steering is a little slower and its small windows make it hard to place.

By comparison the Mustang is lighter, feels more responsive and on the right road it is more fun to drive hard � a live rear axle is the Mustang�s only real flaw here. Sadly, the Dodge is well off the pace at 62.4 mph.

Spend time behind the wheel of all three cars and it�s clear the Camaro that pulls ahead quickly. While the Chevy�s cabin isn�t perfect, it constantly reminds the driver that he�s piloting something out of the ordinary � console mounted gauges are especially nice.

The Challenger�s cabin puts function ahead of all else and the Mustang�s interior is somewhere in the middle � full of gimmicks but short on functionality.

Ultimately, it�s the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that�s the clear winner here. It takes the wow factor to a whole new level and like it or not, it looks dramatic, plus the Camaro SS has the punch to back up the look.

True, the Mustang feels more precise and the Challenger gets he retro look just right. But the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro wraps it all up in exactly the right way. And unlike, past SS Camaros, this one is able to remain composed and even comfortable all the while laying down a mind blowing 426 hp.