Cuda340

The July 2010 issue of Motor Trend compared the V8 and V6 ponycars. As expected, the new 5.0 Mustang GT beat out the Challenger SRT and Camaro SS for first place. However, the SRT captured 2nd. Motor Trend commented that it is " a profligate performer that pays ample aesthetic dividends on the driver's considerable investment." Here are some of the descriptions of the Challenger in the article: "retro-rocket," "brakes work like an invisible parachute," "really special," "so full of character," "supple suspension," "sound from the driver's seat is pure American Graffiti," "carmel-smooth Barry White baritone V8 may be the sweetest sounding musclecar engine ever," and "styling is the best of any of the Big Three. It just looks so mean, classic, and unique."

Here are the performance specs:

Mustang GT: 1/4= 12.7@111.3 mph; 0-60= 4.4 sec.; 60-0= 104 ft.
Challenger SRT: 1/4= 13.3@106.1 mph; 0-60= 4.8 sec.; 60-0= 113 ft.
Camaro SS: 1/4= 13.1@110.8 mph; 0-60= 4.7 sec.; 60-0= 108 ft.

As for the V6s, the Challenger SE finished dead last. They described the SE as "a yacht trying to keep up with speedboats, but the ride and style are smooth."

Here are the performance specs:

Hyundai Genesis 3.8= 1/4= 14.2@99.2; 0-60= 5.4 sec.; 60-0= 111 ft.
Mustang 3.7: 1/4= 13.7@102.0 mph; 0-60= 5.1 sec.; 60-0= 104 ft.
Camaro RS: 1/4= 14.3@98.9 mph; 0-60= 5.7 sec.; 60-0= 105 ft.
Challenger SE: 1/4= 15.7@89.6 mph; 0-60= 7.5 sec.; 60-0= 136 ft.

We all knew that the new Mustang GT with the new 5.0 engine and higher power-to-weight ratio would be very fast, but how about Ford's 305 hp V6? It is only .4 sec. slower than an SRT in the 1/4 and .3 sec. slower from 0-60 mph. Wow! Chrysler's new Pentastar V6 has its work cut out for it.