Need some advice on a very big decision

[gtface]

I am in the market for a car right now and I am trying to decide between a 2005 mustang gt and a 2000-2001 camaro ss. My dad has a friend who is trying to unload a mustang he just bought a month or so ago, and I could likely get a very good price on it. This guy has taken very good care of the car for the short time he has owned it, and has never raced it. Before this came to my attention i really had my heart set on a used camaro ss. There are multiple cars on autotrader with very low miles that are selling for $20,000 and below. Imjust not sure whether i would rather have a slightly faster car that is a little bit older or a nearly brand new car that is just a little bit slower. Also, i have never driven either of these cars, although i drove a v6 camaro all throughout high school. I f anyone has any suggestions or comments, I would love to hear them.

[Spastik_Roach]

I'd personally take the Mustang, they're nice cars, its got th eV8 right?

[CdocZ]

id get the mustang. love the new one

[gtface]

The performance specs for these cars are very similar:

Mustang GT- 0-60: 5.2, 0-100: 13.2, 1/4 mile: 13.8@ 102, top speed: 150, gas mileage: 17/25

Camaro SS- 0-60: 5.2, 0-100: ?, 1/4 mile: 13.6@ ?, top speed: 160, gas mileage: 19/28

I like the styling of both of these cars pretty equally. I couldnt find any specs related to handling so any information on that would also be appreciated.

[Slicks]

Alright, first off I must ask is the SS a 6 speed? And will the GT be a manual as well. (I highly suggest manual transmissions in both cars)
Next, how many miles are on the SS?

As far as handling goes, youll really have to drive both cars and get the feel of them.
The SS pulls .87Gs, while the GT got .89Gs.
I dont have slalom speeds for the GT, but the SS ran a 63mph slalom.

Either way its a win/win situation here, I highly suggest driving both cars and seeing which one you like better.

[gtface]

yes both would be 6 speed manual

[Quiggs]

And which one will be cheaper to maintain (and modify if you so choose). Gas won't be pretty on either. Neither will insurance. I'd pick by which had a nicer color.

[gtface]

gas mileage isnt horrendous on either car. Its good enough to where I can deal with it.

[TheOne]

i'd pick the mustang GT, with a really good driver that car can do 13.4 secs(has been done bone stock) down the quarter, couple of bolt-ons and it'll do 12's(tho the camaro can do same).
i like the style of the new mustang better though, they're selling a GT at a ford dealer near here, its gray color, pretty badass.
the good thing about the SS is the engine, the LS1.

[taz_rocks_miami]

Since the Mustang is only a month old as you say, then it's still under warrenty, that's a big plus should anything go wrong as opposed a used SS. I'd go for the GT.

[CdocZ]

Originally Posted by taz_rocks_miami

Since the Mustang is only a month old as you say, then it's still under warrenty, that's a big plus should anything go wrong as opposed a used SS. I'd go for the GT.

good point there. make that a major deciding point, thats very important

[IBrake4Rainbows]

That's one thing i love about the american car industry: Reliability and after-sales service needs to be good.

I would go for the Mustang. It's new, so their should be a lot of parts for replacement or tuning coming on the market shortly. People gave up on the Camaro ages ago.

[crisis]

Does the Camaro run an LS1?

[fpv_gtho]

Sure does, i think its only 300hp though.

[gtface]

the camaro has a 325 hp ls1 and 350 ft/lb of torque.