1997 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. (160 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 274 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. (271 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Camaro | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3391 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1413 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
