Track Tested: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 vs. 2011 Ford Mustang V6

Yes, these are both all-American muscle cars. No, neither one has a V8. Does that make this any less of a grudge match? Well...yeah, but consider the numbers for a moment.

Both the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT and the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 put out over 300 horsepower. That was a big number not too long ago. Still is. They also have six-speed manual transmissions, limited-slip differentials and at least 19-inch wheels and tires. That's some pretty decent equipment for what many consider "base" models.

And you know what? They turn some pretty good numbers, too. Nothing that will strike fear into anything with a V8, but certainly good enough to hold their own against a 370Z or Hyundai Genesis Coupe. How fast exactly? Click the jump to find what these two V6-powered American muscle cars can do at the track.

Vehicle: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT
Odometer: 3,285
Date: 3/30/2010
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $29,175

Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed manual
Engine Type: V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in):  3,564/217
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 304 @ 6,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 273 @ 5,200
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion
Suspension Type (front): Double-ball-joint, multilink strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe
Tire Size (front): 245/45ZR20 103Y
Tire Size (rear): 275/40R20
Tire Brand: Pirelli     
Tire Model: P Zero
Tire Type: Summer Performance
Wheel Size: 20-by-8 inches (front), 20-by-9 inches (rear)
Wheel Material (front/rear): n/a
As Tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,790

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.5
0 - 45 (sec): 4.1
0 - 60 (sec): 6.1
0 - 75 (sec): 9.0
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 14.3 @ 98.0
0 - 60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 5.7
30 - 0 (ft): 28
60 - 0 (ft): 111.78
Braking Rating: Good
Slalom (mph): 68.2
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.86
Handling Rating: Very good
Db @ Idle: 42.5
Db @ Full Throttle: 82.6
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 70.8

Acceleration Comments: There's good speed here, but the V6 doesn't do anything to satisfy from a sound or feel perspective. Shifts are met with an unpleasant wind-up in the powertrain. Shifter is high in effort and somewhat notchy, but finds gears without a fight.

Braking Comments: Very good stopping distance, but pedal feel is lacking. Hard to determine if ABS is active with a pedal this soft. Not confidence-inspiring at the limit.

Handling Comments: Largely the same less-than-inspiring feel of the V8 Camaro. Front tires wash out with little feel or feedback on the skid pad, and despite decent numbers, the V6 Camaro isn't terribly satisfying in these tests either. Again, it feels as if this chassis is constantly trying to manage a huge wheel and tire combo. Nothing here is truly bad, but it's also not truly rewarding.

Vehicle: 2011 Ford Mustang V6
Odometer: 2,811
Date: 3/30/2010
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $30,600

Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed manual
Engine Type: V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 3,731cc (228 cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 6,850
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 305 @ 6,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 280 @ 4,250
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Electric speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Non-independent solid-axle, coil springs, trailing links, panhard rod, stabilizer bar
Tire Size (front): 255/40ZR 19
Tire Size (rear): 255/40ZR 19
Tire Brand: Pirelli
Tire Model: P Zero
Tire Type: Summer performance
Wheel Size: 19-by-8.5 inches
Wheel Material (front/rear): Cast aluminum
As Tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,508

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.2
0 - 45 (sec): 3.8
0 - 60 (sec): 5.6
0 - 75 (sec): 8.1
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 13.9 @ 101.2
0 - 60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 5.3
30 - 0 (ft): 26
60 - 0 (ft): 103
Braking Rating: Excellent
Slalom (mph): 68.6
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.91
Handling Rating: Very Good
Db @ Idle: 45
Db @ Full Throttle: 82.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 71.8

Acceleration Coments: Holy crap, this is a hard-running V6, more than enough power to overwhelm its tires leaving the line. Managing wheelspin is key in this car to get good acceleration times. Also gets good rubber on the 2-3 shift. Tranny doesn't like to rush that shift, however. We missed 3rd gear several times. Otherwise, though, this is a powerful, free-revving, nice-sounding V6.

Braking Comments: 103 feet? From a Mustang? Wow. Pedal feel isn't anything special, but there's no sign of fade and the short distance is outstanding.

Handling Comments: Truly impressive manners from a live-axle car. Balance is good as is typical with recent Mustangs, but there's more than that. There's a true sense of what's happening at the wheels with this Mustang, which provides ample driver confidence. And it's better than the independently sprung Camaro in both tests. Ford is doing something right.