2010 Ford Mustang vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

Browse Used Listings
What’s this?

What’s this? X

Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Marty Padgett

Editorial Director BIO

Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

LATEST ARTICLE
30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Gas Mileage, So Far
As we roll through our 30-day road test of the 2013 Ram 1500, we're ready to file our first report... Read More

#5LEADERBOARD RANK
5170ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
111COMMENTS POSTED

6 Jan 27, 2009

The Dodge Challenger is a plus-sized pony car when compared to the Mustang.

The Dodge's interior is larger, and its base V-8 offers more horsepower than the Mustang's only V-8.

However, because the Mustang is smaller and lighter, the performance difference isn't as lopsided as one might expect; plus, the Mustang is less expensive.

At the time this Bottom Line was produced, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro hadn't yet gone on sale.

The V-6 Camaro will be thousands of dollars more expensive than the base Mustang and may compete performance-wise with the Mustang GT.

The interior of the new Camaro is also larger than the Mustang's, but not as large as the Dodge Challenger's.

While not a direct competitor, the rear-wheel-drive Nissan 370Z (all-new for 2009) begins at just under $30,000.

At this price point, it's a competitor with the American pony cars.

Of course, the Nissan is a more focused sportscar, and accordingly, it gives up the practicality provided by small rear seats and a proper trunk.

The Mustang is currently available as a coupe or convertible, which won't be offered by Dodge and is still in the future for the Camaro and 370Z.

Additionally, the Mustang's optional glass roof, SYNC, and Sirius Travel Link further separate the Ford from these competitors.

2010 Ford Mustang Browse Used Listings	2010 Chevrolet Camaro Browse Used Listings	2009 Dodge Challenger Browse Used Listings	2009 Nissan 370Z Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 Nostalgia is still a big part of the appeal, but the 2010 Ford Mustang is now every bit a modern, refined sport coupe.	7.8 After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the 2010 Chevy Camaro is here—and it's good.	7.8 Let the burnouts begin! The Ford Mustang finally has another domestic competitor.	7.8 The Nissan Z has never occupied the top spot in the performance world—and it doesn't now—but it's still a great performance car that starts just under $30,000.
MSRP From
$21,395	$22,680	$22,220	$29,930
Gas Mileage
14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
Compact	Compact	Midsize sedan	Two-Seater
Style Name
2-Door Coupe V6	2-Door Coupe LS	2-Door Coupe SE	2-Door Coupe Man
Drivetrain
Rear wheel drive	Rear wheel drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
4	4	5	2
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
2 Door Coupe	2dr Cpe	2 Door Coupe	2 door coupe
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Automatic	Manual