Video: Stock 2016 Camaro SS Takes On E85 Tuned 2016 Mustang GT

There has been a lot of debate around here as to which is better, a Coyote-powered Mustang or an LS3-powered fifth-gen Camar0 – especially after we published the results of our recent LS3 vs. Coyote $9,999 budget shootout. And while the results were hotly contested on both the GM and Ford fronts, it is a prime example of just how competitive the two marques are with each other right now– and how vehement the support for each brand is.

We’re not sure the argument will ever be put to rest, seeing as how the debate has been raging for 50 years now and shows no signs up letting up. Honestly, we hope it never does. While we respect anything that is fast around these parts, we love competition and arguing over what parts make each better almost as much as we love LS-powered rides. Even if one was obviously better than the other by an indisputable margin– which, fortunately, there isn’t— guys would still be bickering about which is better, because that is what loyalty to a brand means.2016-Camaro-SS-Scout-4While the fifth-gen Camaro and the S550 Mustang were pretty evenly matched, GM has recently upped its game with the release of the sixth-gen Camaro powered by the gen-V, direct-injected, 455-horsepower LT1 and it has sparked a new round of “who’s better.” And, in the sprit of the scientific method, there is really only one way to sort this out: run ‘em.

2016_chevrolet_camaro_black-wideThat brings us to this video posted by Bad Bow Tie Productions. While some of you may argue that this is biased a bit, due to the fact that the videographers are clearly in the General’s corner, this literally could not be more of a fair fight. We were actually a little shocked at how well the S550 kept up.

The 2016 Mustang in the video does have a few things done to it, in addition to coming from the factory with the performance pack. The package is only available on six-speed manual models and endows the ‘Stang with a set of staggered 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero summer tires, six-piston front calipers with 380 mm rotors, a strut tower brace, front splitter and a Torsen differential with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio. On top of the factory bonuses, the pony is sporting a pair of GT500 mufflers and is running E85 with the accompanying tuning.

The 2016 Camaro SS on the other hand is completely stock and comes equipped with the eight-speed automatic, which is known for actually being faster than its manual counterpart in almost every single performance metric.

Both cars are even weighed at the first of the video in the spirit of keeping all things fair (scientific method, remember?). At 3,734 pounds, the Mustang actually weighs surprisingly less than we would have guessed. The sixth-gen comes in at a svelte 3,656— substantially less than its older brother, mostly due to the switch to the Alpha chassis architecture and extensive use of lightweight materials.

2016-Ford-Mustang-Blue-Wallpaper-BackgroundMultiple races ensue from both a dig and a roll with the Camaro coming out on top in all but a few of the races, if only by the narrowest of margins. However, we have to give kudos to whomever is driving the Mustang. Whoever they are, they sure know how to launch and shift that thing. The margin of victory is incredibly narrow on almost every hit and is a testament to how well matched both of these cars are in stock— or relatively stock— trim. Watching this video, it’s no wonder why the battle between the two modern muscle cars is so fierce.

While we are no doubt thrilled that the Camaro came out on top, we have to hand it to the Mustang for putting up quite the fight. It’s battles like this that make us positive that the arguing will go on for at least another 50 years.

All in all we think this was a pretty fair fight and would love to see more races done in a similar fashion, although we would strongly urge anyone thinking of doing the same to take both vehicles to the track. Not only would a track environment added legitimacy to the match up, it would provide additional data points for where each vehicle excels or falls short. We in no way advocate that you should take a match up like this to the street.

The very same sixth-gen was eventually taken to the track where it went a best of 12.129 at 114.79 mph in bone stock trim. Check out the video below to see how it did for yourself.

About the author

Chase Christensen

Chase Christensen hails from Salt Lake City, and grew up around high-performance GM vehicles. He took possession of his very first F-body— an ’86 Trans Am— at the age of 13 and has been wrenching ever since.
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