Should I buy a Ford Mustang GT or Dodge Challenger R/T?


Or should I wait for the new Chevrolet Camaro SS? My budget is around $35,000.
Saqer A., San Diego Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays drove the 370-horsepower Challenger R/T and 300-horsepower Mustang GT back to back. He gives his impressions on the retro-styled modern pony cars below:

“We drove both cars back to back, and if your money isn't threatening to burn a hole through your pocket, we'd suggest waiting for the Camaro SS and heavily updated 2010 Mustang before making your decision [both are scheduled for an early 2009 release]. The Challenger's strengths are ride quality and roominess, not outright acceleration or hang-the-tail handling. Though down in horsepower, the current Mustang is eminently smaller and lighter, and you feel it as soon as you get behind the wheel. Its rear wheels are easier to swing wide — albeit harder to recover. The GT's 4.6-liter V-8 feels snappier off the line and easier to push hard than the Challenger's 5.7-liter. The differences are even more apparent when you compare a V-6 Mustang with the Challenger SE; the Challenger is more comfortable, but the Mustang is quicker and altogether more entertaining to drive.

“If you must buy today, I'd take the Challenger; the R/T is certainly quick enough, and it packs better ride comfort and more safety features than the Mustang. We haven't sampled the Camaro SS, but its 6.2-liter V-8 has proven a potent, torque-rich powertrain in the Corvettes we've tested. We'd also have to give the styling nod to GM; both inside and out, the Camaro looks more convincing than the Challenger or Mustang.”