Differing reviews

[Emt1581]

With anything in life, personal preference is going to play a role. However, in vehicle reviews I'd think that would be somewhat minimized, especially among professionals that are going to really test the car out and push it to it's limits. I mean limits are limits and performance is performance no matter who is in the driver's seat no? But yet drivers like Randy Pobst are eternally favoring the Camaro in pretty much every aspect while others are giving the edge to the Mustang. And I've seen reviewers comparing 15 Stangs to 16 Camaros, 16's to 15's, same years/similar trims.

At the end of the day who is a good neutral reviewer/test driver that does a great job not showing any real favoritism or bias?...even if they aren't thrilled with the Mustang.

Thanks

-Emt1581

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[Steve44]

Chris Harris from the UK is a terrific reviewer...check out his youtube video on the 2015 Mustang, it is a great watch.

 

[BBB]

Go drive both cars and decide for yourself. Review it yourself because your ass is going to be the one that's in it.

 

[BmacIL]

Facts:
16 Camaro SS will beat the Mustang in most measurable performance categories
16 Camaro SS is a little lighter than an equivalently optioned Mustang
16 Camaro has less interior volume and significantly less trunk space than the S550 Mustang

That's about it. Everything else is subjective. Here's my subjective eval between the two:

Exterior - New Camaro looks better than the outgoing, but still quite similar. Mustang holds the edge as it looks sexier, more grown up and has a more cohesive design language. Also, the rear end is a no contest in favor of the Mustang.

Interior - I do like some of the new feature content of the Camaro, including the big digital cluster and HVAC vent temp/speed control ingenuity. The overall design still looks cartoonish to me, and while the vent integration is really cool, the placement is idiotic. The Mustang's interior looks much more refined and grown up (again). I'd say materials between them are on par.

Usability/Ergonomics - Mustang gets top trumps here. Sight lines and visibility of the new Camaro are no better than the last one. I saw one on the road the other day and the rear glass is SO small. Most reviewers have noted the super high belt line and slots for side windows remain, so you feel like you're more in a tank. In the Mustang, you're not driving an early 00's sedan for visibility, but you also don't feel like you can't see anything. I do not have any blind spots with where I sit and how my mirrors are set (no BLIS, so I have the convex mirrors on the outside - they work great for traffic in your traditional blind spot). Interior ergo is probably about a wash between the two.

Engine sound/excitement - Camaro's LT1 is mostly low and mid-range, where it's hugely impressive, but falls off up top. The Coyote is no slouch down low, but really wakes up after ~3000 rpm and pulls very hard to 7000 rpm. This is more exciting to me than stump pulling down low, given that it has more than enough thrust already. To me it sounds a lot better than the LSx/LTx engines.

I haven't driven the 16 Camaro so I can't comment on its ride quality or how it would fair on regular roads for daily use. It likely is firmer than a GT PP.

 

[Norm Peterson]

With anything in life, personal preference is going to play a role. However, in vehicle reviews I'd think that would be somewhat minimized, especially among professionals that are going to really test the car out and push it to it's limits. I mean limits are limits and performance is performance no matter who is in the driver's seat no? But yet drivers like Randy Pobst are eternally favoring the Camaro in pretty much every aspect while others are giving the edge to the Mustang. And I've seen reviewers comparing 15 Stangs to 16 Camaros, 16's to 15's, same years/similar trims.

At the end of the day who is a good neutral reviewer/test driver that does a great job not showing any real favoritism or bias?...even if they aren't thrilled with the Mustang.

Thanks

-Emt1581

If it's RP's comparative review of the GT/PP against the 1LE you're referring to, it should be apparent that the two cars were aimed at slightly different buyers (with the 1LE being more extreme and better for the track, at some cost in daily-driver comfort as noted by other reviewers).

What you can take away from RP's commentary is where to start your GT/PP's tweaking if you're planning on much track time. What that might include has been suggested here more than once, but you might look to the non-R GT350 if you don't care to crib from those other guys.

Otherwise, you're not likely to get close enough to what he feels are limiting the GT/PP for it to matter.


Norm

 

[50hhh]

What everybody fails to mention is the fact the new camaro is faster only because of the 8speed auto. The manual runs about the same 0-60 and 1/4. It all comes down to tires when both cars are manual.

 

[Emt1581]

If it's RP's comparative review of the GT/PP against the 1LE you're referring to, it should be apparent that the two cars were aimed at slightly different buyers (with the 1LE being more extreme and better for the track, at some cost in daily-driver comfort as noted by other reviewers).

What you can take away from RP's commentary is where to start your GT/PP's tweaking if you're planning on much track time. What that might include has been suggested here more than once, but you might look to the non-R GT350 if you don't care to crib from those other guys.

Otherwise, you're not likely to get close enough to what he feels are limiting the GT/PP for it to matter.


Norm

I see what you mean about his review. And at this point, even though I haven't tested one, I've never been attracted to the camaro but that's just going on looks and interior. On the other side of the coin I've had my eye on the mustang for years...never dreaming I'd be able to own one thanks to day care bills and mortgage payments (which amount to pretty much the same cost).

I was just trying to figure out how professional drivers could have such a differing review.

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[Emt1581]

Chris Harris from the UK is a terrific reviewer...check out his youtube video on the 2015 Mustang, it is a great watch.

In the beginning I kept wondering why he was in the other lane... :headbonk:

Good reviewer though. Sure loves to drift!

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[CB]

Go drive both cars and decide for yourself. Review it yourself because your ass is going to be the one that's in it.

And paying for it.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I've never been attracted to the camaro but that's just going on looks and interior.

98% of the time, that's the part you're enjoying and experiencing.

Those 0.2-0.3ths of a second difference mean little to nothing outside of internet bragging and halfwits doing things on public roads that they shouldn't.

 

[TikiGT]

As said. Go drive one... Tried a 16 Camaro yesterday for shits and giggles. Never doubted my mustang for a second during it. Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable drive experience but didn't trump the pony at all in my eyes and this was a loaded 2SS. Sure it had some features I'd like, but nothing life or death. Visibility was absolutely a huge turn off.

 

[cyberbro]

A little off topic but maybe another point of view on this subject (taking money/corruption out of the equation for this).

A few years ago I had jury duty. Got on a case and listened to the case along with 11 others.
We all heard the EXACT same information but when it was time to render a verdict weeks later, I realized something very interesting, we all had 12 different views of what we heard. I thought it was 100% crystal clear but that did not happen. we all had a different spin to what what was the same exact evidence.

Why? life experiences, beliefs, emotions, education and where/how you grew up! it all comes into play when giving an opinion or a verdict so even without bias we are all going to reach different conclusions when driving a car. I bet the same reviewer in the same exact 2 cars, one in his favorite color and the other in his least favorite would even change the outcome of the review a bit.

I bet if the last car you reviewed the week/month before even alters prospective. Going from a Fiesta to a Bentley, has to make the Bentley that much better.

 

[blk_5.0]

Something to take into consideration as well as your purpose for the car is price point. I debated waiting for the 16 Camaro due to the bump in HP (also looked at scat pack challengers) until I realized the loaded Camaro I would need would be north of 45k and the challenger was 43. I walked out the door with my PP 15 with recaros for around 33. I just couldn't justify the extra money when the Mustang fit my needs for significantly less $$. As far as I know similarly equipped, the mustangs will give you much more bang for your buck no matter what trim level you decide on.

 

[1BadAss16CS]

At the end of the day who is a good neutral reviewer/test driver that does a great job not showing any real favoritism or bias?...even if they aren't thrilled with the Mustang.

Thanks

-Emt1581

Number one, I personally never go off of anyone's reviews, if you want to check features that's fine. The fact is, everyone is different in what they want so in reality it all comes down to you. Go test drive.

I laugh at most of the spec crazy people that are out there. My reason, is because any real car enthusiast will tell you that you can make just about any car do what you want. Some just need a little help and others need a lot but for the most part it can be done.

I've own 2 SVT model Cobras and still own one of them. Both were great cars to me, not everyone liked them, and I'm okay with that. Facts are facts though.... when you own a Mustang or any other tuner based car that has a huge aftermarket following the sky is the limit on what you can do to them.

I was going to buy a GT350, that is until I saw the dealer mark ups... the exact same thing that happened when the GT500 came out. I'm living a good life but I am not willing to pay one cent over MSRP for ANYTHING... It's just my personal morals. I have nothing against people who make that choice because it's their money. To put things in perspective, guys who bought brand new S600's paid over 140K for their cars and you can buy super clean low mileage one now for 35k - How's that for a kick in the nads?

My point is, IMO, there isn't anything a guy driving a GT350, Camaro SS, Porsche, Lambo, benz...etc has over me if I am completely happy with what I own. I've said this before on this forum... if you or I want to build a competitive race car...just add money, that aftermarket is huge! The one lesson I've learned long ago... there will always be someone who tops whatever you do when it comes to cars. I've always been a drag racer... so most of my past rides were setup for the 1/4.... and anyone who races the 1/4 will tell you, you might have one bad ass ride sitting at the line and someone will pull up next to you with some ratty looking POS and put an ass whooping on you and have you saying wtf just happened. Bottom line is, don't get all caught up in the specs game. Find a car you like and go drive the hell out it and be happy. :cheers:

Sorry for the rant....its been a long day. :lol:

 

[speedfrk]

When it comes to looks, the Mustang simply looks better- much better. That's because Ford shamelessly copied design elements from Aston Martin. But, good is good. The Mustang has some euro DNA and even Motor Trend, I think, called the EB an American Audi A5. Pretty high praise.
On the performance issue- it is all bragging rights until you have spent the money and gone to driving school. Then, you "might" be able to use maybe 90% of what the car is capable of in the right conditions- which is not on public roads.

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