2010 Camaro or the New Hemi Challenger?

[jmcgliss]

I've driven the Challenger SRT8 in orange with black stripes. It turned heads without us trying. The seats were comfortable over-bolstered buckets. Call it a very gentlemanly ride with body roll and not much motor noise to appreciate from inside the cabin. Could live with this as a daily driver.

As for the Camaro...terrible visibility forward and rear (for tall drivers) and a trunk opening so small you have to wonder who approved that. I could live with a Corvette eveyday but not the Camaro.

For real-world fun we stand by the new Mustang GT or Shelby GT. In 2004 I spent a weekend hotlapping a Ford-owned Mustang GT with stock tires and brakes in between riding with students in modified 1990 - 2004 Mustangs/Cobras. We were very impressed with the speed and handling of the new chassis geometry out of the box. Maybe the less emotionally exciting of the three, but practical.

Disclaimer: our fun car is a '96 Cobra 8500+ miles of flat-out and reliable track time. If all three cars were available then we would have made the same choice. (For some reason, the prior generation of Camaros have been scarce at track days in the midwest).

 

[Mike N]

That was my hope too. They took a beating from customers about the GTO so I think they decided to take the easy way out and copy the first generation Camaro.

The 69 is the most popular Camaro ever. I don't think you can pick up an issue of Hot Rod or Car Craft without seeing at least one 69 somewhere within either magazine's pages, even though it's been 40 years since that car came out. So it actually made sense for GM to copy that one.

If GM decides to retro another car I'd like a second gen Camaro, or a 67 Chevelle.

Malthumb?

 

[theory028]

Cadillac CTS V. Who needs that retro looking stuff when you can have pure American power dressed up in modern attire? Super sexy and super fast.

 

[Mike N]

Cadillac CTS V. Who needs that retro looking stuff when you can have pure American power dressed up in modern attire? Super sexy and super fast.

And super expensive.

 

[mike_v_s]

That was my hope too. They took a beating from customers about the GTO so I think they decided to take the easy way out and copy the first generation Camaro.

I'm of the feeling that if you're going to copy a design...copy it. Don't draft a characiture and call it "inspired by" (fill in the blank). Chrysler came close and I like the car better for it.

Despite the approximations produced, I still think there is a market for the original with modern running gear and safety equipment. I'll take the aerodynamics of a barn if it means getting the actual proportions right.

Speaking of the GTO...why on earth are they axing the G8? Kill Pontiac? Fine. But let that damn brand live on with the one model or at least make it a Chevrolet.

Mike

 

[theory028]

And super expensive.

That is true. At least it's more affordable than the STS V. That's a good start.

Between the two options I would definitely opt for the new Camaro. Regardless, I am growing tired of the classic looking cars. Some of them look cool but it's just not my style. If that's what will sell and make GM more of a success then it has my support, though.

Mike: my brothers say the same thing about the G8. Pontiac had a real jem with that car. It would be nice to let that design carry through.

 

[RWP]

I actually got the chance to drive a Camaro SS(6.2L-426HP/420lb.-ft.) this week and the Hemi Challenger(6.1L-425HP/420lb.-ft.) a couple of weeks ago and The Camaro seemed to out handle the Challenger. Their engine specs are very similar, but the Camaro seemed to have a bit more torque and to be quicker in acceleration.

They're both great looking cars, but in terms of comfort and performance, the Camaro edges out the Challenger, IMO.

I was wondering if it would be possible to 'test' drive either car at the dealer.

 

[Grizzly700]

Camaro by a long shot.

 

[Vic Winters]

And super expensive.

And in 4 years you can pick up a used one for under $20K.

 

[Mike N]

And in 4 years you can pick up a used one for under $20K.

Beat to hell and full of problems as well. I'll pass.

 

[Mike N]

I am growing tired of the classic looking cars. Some of them look cool but it's just not my style.

Being a product of the 60's I grew up with the classics. I like seeing the older styling emerge with newer technology.

Today's cars all look the same to me.

 

[TrooperFarva]

Camaro > Challenger > Mustang

 

[RWP]

Being a product of the 60's I grew up with the classics. I like seeing the older styling emerge with newer technology.

Today's cars all look the same to me.

I am with you Mike when it comes to the new cars, they all look the same to me too. Although I really like the look of the new Challenger, I think I am finding out the Camaro is a better engineered car. Now, how do I convince myself it's OK to buy a car from a government run company? Sure seems like a HUGE mistake to me. Sad..... :scowl:

 

[Spector_Ray]

I was wondering if it would be possible to 'test' drive either car at the dealer.

I know people at each dealer, so I was able to "test" them on a former air force base tarmac.

 

[TrooperFarva]

why on earth are they axing the G8? Kill Pontiac? Fine. But let that damn brand live on with the one model or at least make it a Chevrolet.

Mike

+1. The G8 GXP is a great car. Same engine as the new Camaro SS (10 less HP), but with 4 doors. I test drove one, great car.

 

[cassanova]

Both very nice looking cars and both perform quite well. I personally prefer the Camaro. That being said, I drive a Camaro.

 

[lowendfriend]

OK car guys, what is the word out there?

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I have to go with looks and performance.....Charger with the hemi...the cops love 'em as unmarked cars, so I would go with something other than grey or gunmetal blue.

Dad's car in the 60's had a hemi engine.....killer performance

 

[LilRay]

Either way you go you'll get full membership in the mullet and open container clubs. I'd go for the one that comes with the Git R Done camo interior.

God Bless, Ray

 

[RWP]

Either way you go you'll get full membership in the mullet and open container clubs. I'd go for the one that comes with the Git R Done camo interior.

God Bless, Ray

So..... what do you drive?

 

[whoatherechunk]

challenger all the way.