What’s the best option, the 2023 Ford Mustang or the Chevy Camaro? Both of these iconic American sports coupes are known for their swift, powerful ride and brilliant style. But each also has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at what that means for you!
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Mustang comes standard with more power, though both models offer a swift, agile performance.
- With its supercharged V8, the Camaro delivers the swiftest ride. To best it with a Mustang, you’d have to upgrade to the Shelby GT500, which is technically a separate model.
- With a little extra front-seat space and a very driver-centric cockpit, the Mustang is our first choice for comfort!
- Both models attract attention, but it’s the Mustang that is truly the most recognizable ride.
Standard Power: 2023 Ford Mustang
With more power on tap than the base Camaro, the base Mustang knows how to satisfy your need for speed. Every EcoBoost trim model delivers turbocharged speed, with 310 horses. And you can always upgrade to one of the Mustang GT models for even more power, courtesy of their iconic V8 engine.
The Mustang powertrain specs 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
Although the Camaro doesn’t come standard with as much power, it offers a longer list of engine options. Availability depends on the trim model, but if you spend a little extra, you can drive off with a 455-horsepower V8 or even a supercharged 650-horsepower V8!
The Camaro powertrain specs 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
Supercharged Performance: 2023 Chevy Camaro
The top-trim Camaro ZL1 has a supercharged V8 under the hood, turning up the heat in a major way with 650 horses! This high-performance model also delivers Brembo brakes, wider performance tires, and adaptive suspension dampers for major on-road precision.
The regular Mustang lineup can’t really compete with that kind of power. However, the Shelby GT500, a separate variant of the Mustang, is available with its own supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine. This model actually surpasses the Camaro ZL1, with 760 horses and 625 pound-feet of torque!
Comfy Cabin: 2023 Ford Mustang
Both pony cars are known for their limited backseat space, but the Mustang may surprise you with its roomy front seats. In spite of its sporty performance, the Mustang’s ride is also tantalizingly quiet and comfortable. (Though you can still hear the growl of the available V8 engine, of course.)
The Camaro also provides a smooth, supple ride in spite of its performance aspirations. And its engine options are also on the quiet side, though you can drive the available V8 into a roar if you so choose. Although the Camaro provides comfortable front seats, it doesn’t have as much front-seat leg or hip room as the Mustang.
Sporty Style: 2023 Ford Mustang
These all-American sports coupes are both known for their sleek styling and dramatic front ends. However, we think the Mustang does a better job of standing out in a crowd. With its long nose and tai-bar tail lights, you can’t confuse the Mustang with any other vehicle on the road!
Although the Camaro has been reinvented a lot throughout its lifetime, the current model is still easy to spot. And it certainly has a strong-jawed front end and chiseled grille. But the Camaro also looks similar to some of the other sports cars in GM’s stable, so it’s not as easy to pick out of a crowd.
Your New Sports Coupe
Both pony cars are classy contenders, but it's the 2023 Ford Mustang that ultimately comes out on top. Drive home in Ford’s iconic sports coupe for head-turning style, roomy comfort, and on-road agility.