Race Day: The V-6s
Enough technobabble. Let's run 'em.
Our computers suggest Chevy will win the battle of the sixes decisively at the drag races. The Camaro enjoys a two-pound/horsepower weight advantage and, if the Solstice's five-speed transmission and 3.91 axle ratio make the cut, it'll also have 13-18-percent-shorter gearing, which pays off in a solid 0.6-second lead to 60 mph and through the quarter mile. Fuel-economy concerns will probably force adoption of a taller axle, which may erode but not erase the Camaro's lead. The skidpad and braking performance predictions may serve as vindication of Ford's live rear axle design, which does a remarkable job of keeping the rear tires perpendicular to the pavement on smooth surfaces. That's the only obvious explanation as to why the Mustang outgrips and outbrakes a Camaro that weighs the same, rides on the same tires, and has slightly larger brakes. The cars are in a dead heat on the figure-eight course.
The Mustang's gearing appears slightly better suited to the speeds running on that course, but the Camaro's increased roll control helps it better manage the transitions. The multilink rear suspension may also help the Chevy scoot through the slalom 0.7 mph faster at 68.4 mph.
| | Camaro | Mustang |
| Engine type | 60° V-6, iron block/ alum heads | 60° V-6, iron block/ alum heads |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves/cyl | SOHC, 2 valves/cyl |
| Displacement | 236.7 cu in/3880cc | 244.7 cu in/4009cc |
| Power (SAE net) | 240 hp @ 5800 rpm | 210 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 240 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm | 240 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Weight to power | 14.2 lb/hp | 16.2 lb/hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Axle/final-drive ratios | 3.91:1 / 2.85:1 | 3.31:1 / 2.42:1 |
| Tires, f;r | 235/55R17 | 235/55R17 |
| Curb weight | 3400 lb | 3400 lb |
| Simulated acceleration to mph |
| 0-30 | 2.8 sec | 3.2 sec |
| 0-40 | 3.7 | 4.3 |
| 0-50 | 4.9 | 5.4 |
| 0-60 | 6.2 | 6.8 |
| 0-70 | 7.6 | 8.4 |
| 0-80 | 9.5 | 10.3 |
| 0-90 | 11.5 | 12.3 |
| 0-100 | 13.6 | 14.6 |
| Quarter mile | 14.5 sec @ 104.4 mph | 15.1 sec @ 101.8 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 125 ft | 122 ft |
| 600-ft slalom | 68.4 mph avg | 67.7 mph avg |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.82 g avg | 0.84 g avg |
| MT figure eight | 27.0 sec @ 0.69 g avg | 27.1 sec @ 0.67 g avg |
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