1997 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Camaro would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. (160 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 67 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. (271 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Camaro | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Camaro | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3391 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 556 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1413 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
