Comparing American muscle cars usually comes down to brand loyalty. Not much can sway the opinion of a Ford diehard or a Chevy devotee. So, Mustang vs. Camaro is a hot debate. Both manufacturers have improved their trim options and excel in offering drivers an experience.
But there are some straightforward facts to consider when you boil it down. For example, which is cheaper to buy off the lot and more affordable to buy used? Will you have to dump a ton of money into repairs? Which is safer?
Base Cost of New Camaro vs. New Mustang
Camaros come in at a lower baseline cost if you are in the new car market. The Camaro’s base package is cheaper than what Mustang has to offer. Camaros, on average, are slightly more affordable in comparable performance packages as well.
Both base models offer an I-4 turbo engine, which is worth noting if power is your goal. It’s easier on the wallet but less impressive on the pick-up. Chevy has indicated plans to discontinue their four and six-cylinder options, which is unfortunate for those buying their Camaro as a commuter.
Resale Value of Mustangs vs. Camaros
Muscle cars hold impressive resale rates. The used car market is hot right now thanks to chip supply shortages and logistic problems for new vehicles. Mustangs, however, are cheaper to find on the resale scene.
One contributing factor to Camaros’ used price tags is that they are rarer in the market. Camaros are also recognized to look cooler than Mustangs, which is highly influential when buying used cars. If you intend to sell your used muscle car, a Camaro will be the better choice.
Cost to Insure Muscle Cars
Muscle cars typically cost more to insure than the average sedan. But classic cars can usually qualify for steep discounts.
Camaros were previously cheaper to insure than Mustangs. Currently, the insurance options for both are comparable. Newer models in both brands are neck and neck in average cost and frequency of repairs.
Insurance rates will depend on the model year (older, classic cars are cheaper to insure), age of driver, available power (higher power engines increase insurance rates), and trim levels and features.
There is a wide range in rates depending on the insurance provider. So if you have your eye on a specific car for sale, don’t be afraid to compare quotes before deciding to buy.
Mustangs and Camaros on Fuel Efficiency
Muscle cars are historically gas guzzlers, rendering them impractical for daily commuting. However, newer models offer fuel efficiency that lends them well to daily drives.
This better fuel efficiency is thanks to both makers offering I-4 turbo engines. These inline engines are more fuel-efficient than traditional V-6s. But let’s be honest: Most muscle car enthusiasts want to know about the V-8 performance packages.
V-8 engines on both cars are comparable, resulting in a tie for fuel efficiency. However, rumors are going around that Chevy might be redesigning an electric Camaro to appeal to modern audiences.
Recent Safety Features for Mustangs and Camaros
Thankfully, both Mustang and Camaro offer excellent airbag coverage and score well in highway safety tests. However, the Mustang offers more when it comes to driver assistance technology.
Additionally, the Mustang offers standard safety features that Camaro only provides in more expensive packages. The affordability and availability of the Mustang’s safety technology give it a clear win in the safety comparison.
Sales Comparison for Muscle Cars
Recent reports show a decline in new muscle car sales in a surprising turn of events, with Camaros showing the sharpest drop in sales. Mustangs sales double Camaro sales.
Mustangs have historically topped the muscle car sales charts for the number of cars sold per quarter. They still outsell Camaros in units sold. However, Dodge’s Challenger now outsells both vehicles.
So, who wins the muscle car affordability showdown?
You’re more likely to snag a deal on a Mustang in the used car market. Fuel efficiency and insurance rates are too close to call on the topic of affordability. However, Camaros have better street credit for repairs and annual upkeep costs.
Ultimately, brand loyalty will most likely be the deciding factor when it comes to which car you prefer. The fact that Camaros are rarer might in and of itself be appealing to you. The newer Mustangs offer more impressive standard safety features than Camaros, and both get good highway safety ratings.
Maria Hanson writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. She is passionate about helping drivers find their best insurance options.