"Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger? - this is the question asked by most muscle car lovers in the USA, and not only. They choose between three powerful cars, guided by completely different preferences. The meaning may be appearance, performance, price, quality. But these are “classmates” cars, and the choice is often difficult. Once again a columnist from a reputable publication is trying to help make it happen Daily News,tested basic versions cars.

Translation Camaro club

When choosing and comparing such sports cars, it is best not to start with models with “smoking tires” - Camaro SS, Mustang GT or Challenger SRT, before purchasing which you need to first consult with an insurance agent - these cars are so inviting to press the gas. At the end of this article, a person should more clearly understand what he wants and what he is willing to spend money on. Let’s take a better look at the “younger” versions to understand what you can count on.

Just as a good runner's muscles are flexed to achieve maximum speed over a given distance, automakers fine-tune the characteristics of sports cars to provide maximum performance at the lowest cost. All this is done to attract the attention of buyers. In fact, Chevy, Ford, and Dodge are ideal examples for this comparison.

You can understand who is better in this competition by studying the three “younger” versions of the cars in their maximum possible, peak configuration.

Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
In the US it costs from 26,695 (including $995 shipping). With the RS package, which includes engine cooling and a higher-performance brake package, the Technology package, yellow with black stripes paint and premium floor mats, it starts at $30,575.

Dodge Challenger SXT
In the US it starts at $28,090 (including $1,095 shipping). Enhancements come in the form of Plus trim, Blacktop package, Super Track package, high-performance brake pads, a whale of comfort for the driver, navigation system and a premium audio system. Total: $35,310.

Ford Mustang
The base price of this sports car is $25,045 (900 for delivery). Options include the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Premium Package, and the Performance Package. These upgrades bring the cost to $35,310.

Deciding which is better will not be easy, and it comes down to your preferences. But after spending quite a lot of time with three cars, the following reasonable arguments arise.

Third place for Ford Mustang

Sleek and undeniably sexy, the Mustang says its style more important than that, what is inside. The sophisticated design inside and out makes the car most convincing when viewed from the outside. The only thing that catches your eye and is dissonant is the awkwardly colored diffuser, merging with the color of the body, which is not accepted.

Inside, everything is reminiscent of 1964, when the first Mustang was released. Stylized chrome trim around the instruments, aluminum trim in places. You feel almost like being in the cockpit of an airplane. Unfortunately, there is also a negative - low-grade plastic, probably for the sake of economy. But overall, the comfort of the ventilated and heated front seats is very impressive. You can squeeze someone in behind, but it is better not to do this for reasons of maintaining good relations with these people. The trunk also leaves much to be desired.

In the 2016 model year, the car received a new multimedia system with synchronization, with touch display and voice recognition, as well as improved graphics. Smartphone screen projection technology is available for the 2017 model.

The sports car has several collision avoidance systems, but none were installed on the test car. But emergency automatic braking was the default.

EcoBoost 4 turbo engine with a 2.3-liter volume and 310 hp. created as an improvement in the ratio of performance and fuel consumption, but the 3.6-liter V6 is the base one and has a slightly lower performance of -300 hp. The turbo four also has 54 Nm of torque for more low revs, this is more than its 3.6-liter relative. Fuel consumption in the test cycle was 10.4 liters per 100 km. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Large radiator, limited slip differential and summer tires, included in the performance package, created a wonderful atmosphere of driving comfort. All these packages add a smooth ride, grip and a bit of lateral acceleration to the car, but if you don't need to rush along winding and wet roads, you don't have to spend money on all these things.

The available driving modes: Normal, Sport, Track, Snow/Wet add a comfortable driving experience.

Why in third place?
The disadvantages of the car are not particularly good visibility and the dominance of cheap plastic in the cabin. The rear seats are useless, making the car effectively a two-seater.

Second place for Dodge Challenger

Looking at the Dodge Challenger immediately takes you back to the old days. It seems that this car has not changed since the middle of the last century, although in fact this is not the case. This is big sport car, a true sports full-size sedan aimed at tall drivers.

It is primarily wide and big car. The rear seats will easily accommodate an adult, which sets it apart from its two competitors. In fact, this is its main advantage and main criterion, which is why people choose this particular muscle car, which also has a huge trunk.

The Challenger comes with a separately adjustable stereo and climate control. All this is for those who do not like frequent contact with the touch screen. There is Wi-Fi, but instead of 4G, 3G is built in.

The base engine is a 3.6-liter that produces 305 hp, but unlike its competitors, it comes with an 8-speed automatic. If you like it manual transmission, then you will have to turn to the older version with V8 for help.

The balance of this sports car is good. It boasts a front/rear weight ratio of 52 to 48 percent. This balance, combined with a track suspension package, improves steering, paired with improved tires results in stunning performance. In addition to excellent acceleration that rivals the 2.0-litre engines of the other two contenders, the heavy car's fuel consumption is also reasonable, at 21.9 liters per 100 km in the test cycle. Unfortunately, there aren't many compliments to be given to this car when it takes to a winding road at good speed, even good steering tuning won't help. It doesn't compare to the Mustang or Camaro in terms of maneuverability, although the larger 20-inch tires do improve its traction, but it's not enough, and once it's up to speed, you'll find yourself slowing down much more often than you would in the other two muscle cars.

It drives quite noisily, showing that the structural age of the body is quite old, however, good sound insulation saves the driver in the cabin.

Why is Challenger second?

People want their cars to be stylish and fun, but they want them to be efficient and practical even more. Among the three muscle cars, all of this can be attributed to the Challenger.

At the same time, there are downsides that hurt the Challenger. It does not come with open body and a sliding roof, like its rivals, which makes it too boring at certain moments, when you are driving along a beautiful highway and want to “sip” the wind.
However, Dodge has a 707 horsepower version for you, but that's a whole different story.

On the first place Chevrolet Camaro

Before I rode this 3.6-liter version with all the above-mentioned bells and whistles, I also had a chance to ride the 2.0-liter turbo version, about which there were negative statements online. Don't believe everything you read. Everything is the same, but it looks from a slightly different angle.
Firstly, exterior design. This is the whole thing modern look a muscle car that only vaguely resembles the “old times,” but that’s what’s attractive, because it’s modern car. The only thing is that the large hood makes you remember that its design has something of classic model 1967.

Everything inside is very funny. The eye is instantly attracted by the huge ventilation holes, which are no less interestingly adjusted by hand, by rotating the cones. Also eye-catching is the large info display located at an interesting angle.

But you can’t doubt for a second the comfort of the front seats, where everything is thought out. It’s almost impossible to get tired while sitting in these, and besides, the seats have very variable adjustments.

Unfortunately, rear seats No. Or rather, they exist, but they are not there. Understand it as you wish. The same can be said about the trunk, although it is enough for a trip to the store and “on business”.

WITH dashboard everything is more than ok. There is simplicity and readability of all data on top level. Information display has a projection of smartphone content, and works with Apple and Android. There is satellite radio and all wireless hotspots. The buttons for the acclaimed OnStar system are built into the rearview mirror.

Now the main thing that attracts the sixth generation Camaro is that it is built on a platform from the Cadillac ATS, which distinguishes it from its predecessor, the fifth generation Camaro, this car demonstrates miracles of handling and dynamics. In addition, the view of the hood does not obscure the view of the road, as was the case with its predecessor, despite the fact that the hood is still large.

Rev up the 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 275 hp. and as much as 400 Nm of torque, as it should, and you will understand that you are in a completely different class than if you were driving one of the two described competitors. Equipped like an Audi or Volkswagen, this car delivers better performance than the EcoBoost Mustang, which accelerates smoother to the redline. Although it would seem nominally a 2.3-liter engine Mustang is more powerful. At the same time, the cycle consumption was 10.7 liters per 100 km.

Now about what they write about peak torque. It really starts to show itself above 3000 rpm.
The entire optional package makes the car merge into the road surface, regardless of the speed at which the turn is made, of course, within reasonable limits. But definitely, handling on a winding road is his strong point and the second main thing. distinguishing feature against the backdrop of two competitors, especially the heavy Challenger. The Camaro cuts corners as accurately and cleanly as a compass does in the capable hands of a designer.

Riding modes can be selected depending on preference, and each mode is completely adequate. For example, the "Sport" mode, when the car speed is not high, begins to irritate, and it is better to set it to very in rare cases when you need to escape from being chased, for example. Then it will be useful and correct.

But there was a problem here too. When moving from first to second gear, power sometimes drops. Peak torque arrives at 3,000 rpm, although Chevy specifies that 90 percent of the torque should be there by 2,000 rpm. Why this happens is difficult to understand, and it has not been possible to identify it. The second disadvantage is that the road noise is quite strong, which forces lovers of silence to turn their gaze towards one of the two competitors.

Why is the Camaro number one?

Him better visibility roads under the hood, it is more maneuverable and controllable, the suspension tuning of the car is beyond praise, brake system works great. You always enjoy driving. The imperfection of the car in terms of road noise, of course, is a reason for reflection, but nothing will prevent a real driving enthusiast from purchasing earplugs.

Ford Mustang GT vs Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack – test drive three American coupes of 2015. Three great hot rod dreams from across the ocean meet again to finally settle scores with each other.

It is almost impossible to reconcile the latest generation Ford Mustang with its sworn competitors, because these three cars were born in the city automotive power and passion - Detroit - and each of them has always been designed to spite the competitor - since the first generation of these epoch-making Muscle Cars in the distant sixties.

Although the rather long decline of Detroit, financial bankruptcy and other troubles of the American automobile industry have somewhat reduced the intensity of the confrontation between our charges. But now we are in the middle of the second decade of the 21st century, the American automobile industry is on the rise again, production volumes are growing and demand for hot new car products from the USA worldwide is higher than ever.

Now let's return to our comparative test - the new Mustang made its contribution to the new round of intrigue that began in the distant past, the Ford concern made incredible efforts to get up from its knees and continue the big game on automotive market. A big milestone in this amazing revival of a great brand was new Ford Mustang - which has been completely transformed into something technologically advanced and very modern - without losing its roots at all - this applies to both design and general concept inexpensive, but fast and exciting car, not devoid of both a large share of practicality and comfort.

Meanwhile, its two direct and very successful competitors have also recently been significantly modernized - but these changes to the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, which were carried out by the GM and Chrysler concerns, were more of an evolutionary nature, in contrast to the large-scale revolution of the sixth generation Mustang.

The new Ford Mustang, the sixth generation, finally has at its disposal a modern, fully independent rear suspension for all versions and designs, the previously dominant continuous beam on Mustangs (or rather, an axle with a gearbox; for clarity, the suspension on classic vases and Volgakh) went into oblivion forever.

Probably waiting for the cut rear axle on the Mustang can only be compared with the hopes of holding the Olympics in Detroit - Americans have been waiting for this for many years, but unfortunately Detroit never became the venue for the main sports competitions on the planet. However, dreams of independent rear suspension on a Ford stallion finally came true.

The modernization of the main horse from the Henry Ford company was also accompanied by noticeable technical research in the field of redesigning the front suspension, which is now mounted on a light and rigid subframe.

The 5.0-liter V-8 located on this subframe is probably the main legacy of the past - but the old-school American V8 was not spared modernization either - the familiar engine received a new one intake manifold, modified gas distribution mechanism, increased efficiency of 420 Horse power and increased traction at low speeds.

The profile of the car is recognizable, but the stretched proportions do not let us forget that this is definitely a car of a new generation.

The rear arches are now much wider than before and topped with sharper creases; the front view has also sharpened - it has become more sporty and aggressive; the non-linear change in the overall width of the car along its entire length creates the impression of a narrower car, although in fact the sixth Mustang is a full 4 cm wider than the previous generation car.

Prices for the V-8 GT model start at $32,925 (all prices below are based on the US market with all taxes), the V-8 GT version includes a large list of non-standard options, which includes an upgraded Performance-x suspension and adaptive cruise control, resulting in a price tag of our test unit of $45,885.

Funny thing is the 2015 Dodge Challenger model year also carefully prepared for the new realities of the market, and Dodge meets the new sixth Mustang fully armed - a little " plastic surgery"The car came at just the right time; the Challenger 2015 has a modified nose panel, and rear end the body sports new optics.

The Dodge brand continues to actively exploit its glorious past and new modification R/T Scat Pack directly refers us to it, this sub-designation dates back to 1968-1971 - when an innovative marketing program for the designation was introduced at that time Dodge cars, and the engine is naturally from modern modification STO. The engine in our pony car from the Chrysler concern is what we need - it’s a long-familiar huge 6.4-liter unit and under the hood of the R/T Scat Pack version produces a decent 485 horsepower and 575 Nm of torque, which, however, creates some awkwardness for Mustang and Camaro - because their potential is much lower.

Plastic bag R/T Scat Pack also includes upgraded brakes and includes a 1.5 cm lowered suspension and brand shock absorbers Bilstein and thicker stabilizers lateral stability. But who said that you have to pay for all these improvements? After all, common sense tells us that you can save a considerable $7,500 and buy just the version Challenger R/T. But one way or another, our test base Challenger R/T Scat Pack, priced at $39,490, was the cheapest and also the most powerful car in that comparative test large coupes.

More than a year has already passed since the Chevrolet Camaro received its new exterior updates, namely new front and tail lights but he hasn't yet worn grooves on the porch with his rocking chair. Our test Camaro produced 426 hp. - version SS 1LE is intermediate in the line of large Camaro coupes, and dynamic performance is generally at the level of the ZL1 version without a supercharger.

But you shouldn’t consider the SS version as something simple and unsportsmanlike - the car has a bunch of specific parts in the suspension and transmission, stiffer front struts, and a closer row in gear ratios gearbox - which, among other things, also has a separate fan in its cooling system. Fuel system the engine is also non-standard - it high pressure from version ZL1.

Our Camaro, in addition, has sports front seats and not simple ones - but Italian Recaros from the Z/28 version, an exhaust system with two operating modes and several others additional options, all this pleasure costs $41,880.

Plunging into the atmosphere of the American automobile industry, you understand that the city of Detroit is not just the birthplace of these cars - it is their spiritual capital, and they also need to be tested strictly in America and preferably near the Great Lakes.

To test our cars and their stiff suspensions on the road, we headed southeast from Pittsburgh into the Allegheny foothills. Once upon a time, many of assembly lines Detroit slowed down, or even stopped altogether, the city's steel mills closed one after another - as if natural fires and floods, the economic crisis and the uncompetitiveness of American cars seemingly burned out the once cherished inscription “Made in USA” from the minds of buyers forever. But here we are in 2015 and everything is back to normal.

Today, the city of Pittsburgh is thriving as Silicon Valley. The main economic support of the region is IT companies, which have yet to become giants like Apple and Google, but now, together with the reviving metallurgy, they are consistently making the city one of the best in the USA - now Pittsburgh takes pride of place among the richest cities in America - it’s easy to discover here your own business, start a family, or drunkenly start a fight in the football arena - it has long been known that the fans here are the most aggressive - a city for maximalists in a word.

And if Henry Ford himself had settled on these hills instead of on the plains of Detroit, american car would not be perceived as such an anomaly in Pittsburgh in the 21st century - wealthy townspeople have preferred European cars and mostly premium brands.

Another important factor, which should not have been left without coverage, was to calculate the damage and how expensive it would be to repair the “two-door” for the insurance company, again in comparison with other options for the passenger body.

The results, as we have already said, were impressive. None of the models reached sufficient quantity points required to receive the “ ” award, not to mention the more prestigious “Top Safety Pick+”.

The IIHS noted that it was the closest to receiving a "Top Safety Pick."

The Camaro fell short in one crash test category and lacked a forward collision mitigation system (the other two coupes have this system). The Dodge Challenger was considered the most underperforming car of all.

For the first time in many years, according to IIHS, the dummy had to be disassembled to remove it from the Challenger.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro, 64 km/h, small overlap impact

2016 Ford Mustang, 64 km/h, small overlap impact

2016 Dodge Challenger, 64 km/h, small overlap impact