You choose --- 370z, Mustang 5.0, Camaro SS

[Spazdog]

I've owned a '79 turbo Mustang (that was at death's door when I bought it), an '80 2.3 2bbl (That was suprisingly fun. Almost as much as my older 20R Celica),a '76 Mustang II 302 that was just pitiful, a '71 Mustang coupe with a 250 L6 that couldn't get out of it's own way, an '85 LX 5.0 (180hp CFI + AOD, bleccch)and a '96 Mustang GT 5 speed that forever sealed my dislike for early Modulars.

I think I only need a 1980 255 V8 and maybe a '94-'98 Essex V6 to complete my collection of shame

In spite of my personal rogues gallery of arguably the worst Mustangs in history, I still plan on getting another. Probably a V6/manual/HIDs/leather/spoiler delete. it's going to be great.

 

[BobsArmory]

I would go with the Mustang or Camaro just because they are American companies. I just can't get past Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: BobsArmory
I would go with the Mustang or Camaro just because they are American companies. I just can't get past Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March.


But the Mustang is built in a Mazda factory and the Camaro is a vegemite burner with a side of back bacon eh? (Australian design built by Canadians)

So you gotta' go Challenger....except for all those stickers on the steering column and other critical parts that say "MADE IN GERMANY DAIMLER BENZ AG" ....Nazis.

Hey! South Koreans are our allies too. Time to get a Genesis Coupe.

 

[Nick R]

Too many dumb kids around here drive 370z and do all kinds of stupid stuff to them and these are also the kids with the pants to their knees. Of them, I'd say Camaro.. More than that I'd go with a Challenger though. :drool:

 

[Rp1990]

370z all days. Nissan fwttttt!

 

[BobsArmory]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: BobsArmory
I would go with the Mustang or Camaro just because they are American companies. I just can't get past Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March.


But the Mustang is built in a Mazda factory and the Camaro is a vegemite burner with a side of back bacon eh? (Australian design built by Canadians)


Your right but I like to send my money to American companies so the profits stay here. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I like America better than any other country.

Just my opinion

 

[Bill in Utah]

Personally none of the three. Put a gun to my head I'd ask for the current Mustang with last years rear end (the flat across one).

The Camaro is too much for me

(don't like the looks at all) and I'd pass on the Nissan 370Z.

At least the Mustang has some looks.

Save your dollars for a Vette if you want an sports car.

Bill

 

[RamFan]

So far the count is:

Mustang - 7
370z - 6
Camaro - 3

For what its worth if I end up with the 370 it will be my first foreign car. I've had nothing but Fords ('88 F250, '94 Escort) and Chryslers ('97 Dakota, '04 Ram, '08 Sebring) up to this point.

Thanks for everyone's input, correct me if I'm wrong but I was thinking mods would be felt more in the 370 due to an even more increased power to weight ratio. Whereas while the numbers may be bigger in the Stang and Camaro it would actually increase less percentage wise. Anyone else have opinions on this.

Yes I understand that this is somewhat of an apples to oranges situation in that we're talking about two "american" muscle cars and and import sports car. However this for me is a best bang for my buck situation.

 

[LS2JSTS]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: BobsArmory
I would go with the Mustang or Camaro just because they are American companies. I just can't get past Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March.


But the Mustang is built in a Mazda factory and the Camaro is a vegemite burner with a side of back bacon eh? (Australian design built by Canadians)



What Mazda "factory" is that? And could you please define the term "built" for all of us.

Where does the Camaro engine, transmission and uni body get built?

 

[sciphi]

Mustang. It's got over 400 hp stock, and can handle, or so I've been told. Plus there are ten gazillion of them, so replacement parts will be very available.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: BobsArmory
I would go with the Mustang or Camaro just because they are American companies. I just can't get past Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March.


But the Mustang is built in a Mazda factory and the Camaro is a vegemite burner with a side of back bacon eh? (Australian design built by Canadians)



What Mazda "factory" is that? And could you please define the term "built" for all of us.

Where does the Camaro engine, transmission and uni body get built?


The plant that the Mustang is built in is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda, the Auto Alliance International plant, in Flat Rock Michigan (also known as Flat Rock Assembly). There, the Mustang is built side-by-side with the Mazda6.

Camaro is assembled at the Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada. The engine (afaik) is made at GMs Tonawanda Engine Plant in Tonawanda, NY. Now sure on the transmission.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: RamFan
Thanks for everyone's input, correct me if I'm wrong but I was thinking mods would be felt more in the 370 due to an even more increased power to weight ratio. Whereas while the numbers may be bigger in the Stang and Camaro it would actually increase less percentage wise. Anyone else have opinions on this.


The 370 will be less responsive to basic bolt-ons period. The Mustang has been going from ~375 rwhp stock to 420-445 rwhp with basic bolt-ons (tune, CAI, headers, exhaust, etc.).

The 370s are lucky to see 25 rwhp through bolt-ons. The old 99-04 2V GTs made similar power to the 350Zs stock for stock, but both with CAI, tune, headers, exhaust the the 2V GT would dyno ~20 rwhp more. The new 5.0L is the most responsive n/a Mustang yet to basic bolt-ons outside of the 2000 Cobra R.

 

[LS2JSTS]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
Originally Posted By: Spazdog

I would go with the Mustang or Camaro just because they are American companies. I just can't get past Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March.


But the Mustang is built in a Mazda factory and the Camaro is a vegemite burner with a side of back bacon eh? (Australian design built by Canadians)




The plant that the Mustang is built in is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda, the Auto Alliance International plant, in Flat Rock Michigan (also known as Flat Rock Assembly). There, the Mustang is built side-by-side with the Mazda6.

Camaro is assembled at the Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada. The engine (afaik) is made at GMs Tonawanda Engine Plant in Tonawanda, NY. Now sure on the transmission.



Thanks Nick, I completely understand the distinction and who owns and operates Flat Rock Assembly.

My question was intended to ascertain if spazdog has the same understanding about the "Mazda" "factory" that assembles the Mustang

 

[crw]

If you want votes, I vote for the Mustang. I've had three V8 Mustangs and they were all solid. The new ones are off the charts.

To me, the Nissan is a different car because it has no back seat.

I thought it was interesting that the NEW Hawaii 5-0 show featured a Mustang 5.0 (Danno's car) in the first episode, and then switched to a Camaro (McGarrett's) in the second.

 

[bullwinkle]

Can't believe I'm saying this (as a lifelong GM & Mopar fan)-but I would go for the Mustang-the new Camaro is too derivative for me (not that the Mustang isn't), and I'm just not a fan of Nissan in general (poor reliability IMHO), and don't like the small size & looks in the back of the 370Z. How much room for driving is there in Guantanamo Bay, anyway?

 

[simple_gifts]

Mustang; a purely visceral decision.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Drive 'em! The 2011 300HP V6 stang seems the most promising - Isnt sub 6 sec 0-60 and 100+mph in the 1/4 fast enough? Plus 1000's $$ less on insurance cost! Many auto writers like the Hyundai Genesis coup. Its supossedly another factor of 10 "better" in the drive department plus you get a 100K warranty no xtra charge. I would understand completely not buying a korean car ...

 

[Trav]

370Z no question.
The other two are attracting customers based on the looks of the originals,not bad cars but nothing special as far as i can see.The mustang is even using a primitive live rear axle,they couldn't even bother to give their sports car independent 4 wheel suspension.
These things are all over the place,no feel of exclusivity with one of these.

The Z is a very well balanced great looking package,it looks and feels more like a traditional sports car. IMO the the interior and overall quality of the car is far better than the retro's.

 

[UncleS2]

Mustang. Make it an '11 if you can.

 

[OVERKILL]

2011 Mustang GT 5.0L. Hands-down.