V6 Camaro vs V6 Stang, Mazdeuce come on in

Mazdeuce mentioned a bench build of a V6 Camaro (2010+) with SS parts for a track worthy, factory parts car. Cool idea.

This makes me wonder, if the goal is a cheapish consumables track/autocross/weekend beater, which would you choose? 2011+ Mustang or 2010+ Camaro? Why? Assume only manual, V6 cars. I fully understand that the FRS might be a better option but lets try and focus on these two, easy as dirt to find models.

I would usually say Mustang as I am generally a Ford guy (if choosing American). However, I am not sure that if I am moding it that this would be the best option.

I would sit in each with a helmet. I can fit in a 2014 Mustang with the helmet, but not in my sister's 2015 Camaro (with sunroof). Other than that, either one would do what you want.

I would do a Mustang V6 with track pack and recaros if you can find one.
My FIL has a leather interior V6 6 speed 2012. I like it it's quick enough and handles well.

It's an interesting question. I wonder what else you can get for 10-15k for track use. I think a 350z with the brembo package should be in this conversation. 300hp, less weight, same size tires. VIR lightning Lap times were similar between the V6 stang and the 350z. I just bought one for ~10k. The 350z feels more sporty then the V6 stang my FIL owns though I'm not sure it is really much faster. For autox it is but track use it may be more even.

What else would there be.

According to Edmunds, in stock form:

V6 Mustang specs are 3501 lbs, 305hp @ 6500rpm, 280 ft-lbs @ 4280rpm, turning circle of 33.4 ft

V6 Camaro specs are 3780 lbs, 323hp @ 6800rpm, 278 ft-lbs @ 4800rpm, turning circle of 37.7 ft

Fuel economy is basically identical between the two.

So, the Mustang is significantly lighter, and makes it's peak power @ lower RPMS while having a smaller turning radius and reportedly better visibility.

The Camaro makes a bit more hp, but does so at the expense of tq, and the peak numbers aren't reached until higher in the rev range. It has notoriously poor visibility, but doesn't get saddled with the Mustang's solid rear axle, so it may feel better to drive to some.

I haven't driven either, but if we're comparing stock for stock, I'd take the lighter car with tighter turning and better visibility for the track. Seems like it would be easier to drive/see out of, and easier on consumables.

If you're planning on swapping rolling stock, brakes, and suspension bits with the highest performance trim of each model, then a Camaro with the Z/28's carbon brakes and 305 semi-slicks would probably out-do a Mustang with GT500 or Boss stuff, but at what cost?

This is strictly a "what would you do" kind of thing. You know, for fun! The lighter weight of the Stang is appealing but the Camaro might end up better with off the shelf parts. Where is Mazdeuce? He inadvertently started this.

I would go mustang on weight, but what do those numbers do when it get stripped?

I do like the concept behind the original idea. Start with a car with a higher capacity but run it in an "underpowered" state for durability and consumable life.

it's a great "what if".

Relevant to this discussion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rn7AfTfAOg

For Autocross/Track Days I would probably opt for a car just like you're describing, slightly built base model, as opposed to the GT or SS simply because it would be more fun.

(I assume)

My theory is that with the V6 you could go WOT quite a bit (like any "underpowered" car) instead of trying to balance 400+hp while pulling max lateral Gs. You wouldn't always be worried about spinning. More grip than power vs more power than grip.

I would choose the Mustang, not only because I think it's an amazing car but there's just something about the new Camaro that rubs me the wrong way.

The fact that you can buy all of the z/28 suspension package directly from GM to bolt up to the V6 Camaro is awesome. Unfortunately, it is very far from cheap. But it will, without a doubt, be a much higher performing package than what you would get with the blue oval. That Z/28 is a very well engineered piece. That's what I would do.

I would go mustang. Camaro does nothing for me.

Not cheap but would make the Camaro a hell of a contender. Z/28 suspension

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Performance/809/23464729/10002/-1?CAWELAID=230006180001022446&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=230006180000849367&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKEAjwyemvBRDFpN3E5_bs9BQSJAA5n8L2nMFsLF9Jk-fnFcW7jSPiaua5_t6_lU7KWAk-gQ7CyBoCks7w_wcB

81cpcamaro wrote: I would sit in each with a helmet. I can fit in a 2014 Mustang with the helmet, but not in my sister's 2015 Camaro (with sunroof). Other than that, either one would do what you want.

THIS.

I have trouble sitting in the 2010-up Camaro, sunroof or not. I have to do the "gangsta lean" to be able to fit properly, and that's without a helmet! I'm 6'1" and 300+ lbs, so YMMV. I fit very comfortably in a 2011 Mustang though.

I'd go Mustang in this instance, although the new 2016 Camaro makes a good case the other way. Also, I like the V6 in the Camaro better. The 2014-15 models sound very cool, too.

I autocross they both go into F street I believe. And if I'm not imagining things it seems that the Mustang is the more popular choice.

A live real axle shouldn't be a huge detriment on a track.

It's the Z28 package that has me leaning Camaro. This would stuff you into some absurd autocross class, but let's pretend you're autocrossing and doing track stuff just for fun. The Z28 suspension package costs $3875 (plus $75 for new rear arms if you have a '10 or '11) which gets you sway bars and all of the arms and braces with the good bushings and the super duper trick spool valve shocks with new springs and top mounts and everything. It's not cheap, but it's probably a good value for what you get.
The other thing the Camaro gives you is the ability to run something absurd like 305 race tires.
I'm not bothered at all by the stick axle in the Mustang. In fact, my other plan is to pick up a 05-10 Mustang and slowly build it toward a NASA Spec Iron car. A SI car with all of the mechanical bits done is still perfectly streetable and I could half cage it and run DE and TT until the small children aspect of my life allows me to go wheel to wheel. SI cars seem to be amazingly durable and long as you keep them from running into each other and here in the Texas region, the racing is fantastic.
In summary, if I was doing a a daily/track car, I'd go Camaro, if I wanted to eventually go wheel to wheel with a long term build, I'd step back two Mustang generations and follow the rule book.

I would pick the Mustang, because it has slightly larger windows than your average hardened gun emplacement. Unlike the Camaro.

Also want to point out that part of this thought exercise for me is the incompatibility of my current fleet with the inevitability of me having driving age children in a fairly short time frame. The Deucelings will have a year of AX as part of their drivers education and if I could steal the car for the weekend for track stuff, all the better.

I didn't know they were offering the Z28 suspension package as a stand alone. That is interesting. How much is the Arms you need for the '10/11 cars? What year was the new LFX v6?

My biggest issue is with the size of both cars and visibility in the Camaro

I believe the brembo pack on the 11-14 V6 mustangs gives you some of the boss 302 suspension bits.

Plus it's a mustang. You'd be hard press to find a car with a bigger aftermarket.

mazdeuce wrote: The Deucelings will have a year of AX as part of their drivers education and if I could steal the car for the weekend for track stuff, all the better.

It may or may not make a difference, but check the insurance of whoever you autocross with. Our insurance won't cover minor drivers (even fully licensed), so we can't let anyone under 18 compete. That might add a few years to your proposed time frame.

I don't know if consumables would be cheap on either of these. Track packs have 19 in wheels, and sporty camaros have 19s, 20s, or 21s, iirc.

Haven't looked at pad options for the brembo cars

Mustang gets my vote..

would be still be cheaper than the comparable v8 car due to lack of power and weight compared to the V6

Moosetang.

I have a 2011 SS camaro. Its fast as stink, great brakes, and handling is so good it really makes you feel like you are better than you really are. The newest mustang I have driven is a 2007 GT with a supercharger. It has more power but every other aspect lacks in comparison to the camaro. Granted it is older and I have no idea what a newer one drives like.As far as visibility I personnally don't think the mustang is much better, Neither one is like an older 911. So knowing what I do I would take the camaro, and buy the z/28 suspension bits, strip it to the minimum to loose some weight and track the E36 M3 out of it.