Both the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro are legendary American muscle cars, renowned for their powerful exhaust notes and bold designs. For Southern Oregon drivers who envision weekend drives through the Cascade foothills and daily commutes with serious attitude, it may be challenging to choose between these two icons. Our team at Butler Ford compares the specs of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro to help you choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
Powertrain and Performance
The Ford Mustang Fastback is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, the GT Fastback‘s 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 delivers 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Dark Horse generates an impressive 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. The Chevrolet Camaro’s base V-6 engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, the V-8 engine delivers 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Space is essential when your muscle car also serves as your daily driver. The 2025 Mustang Fastback offers 44.5 inches of front legroom and 29 inches in the back, as well as 37.6 inches of front headroom, comfortably accommodating most individuals. With 82.8 cubic feet of passenger space and 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, you won’t have to compromise on space on weekend getaways to Crater Lake. The Mustang features Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, which offers a 13.2-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This vehicle also features a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and an optional 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. The Camaro underperforms in this category due to poor visibility. If you try to parallel park downtown or back out of a tight spot at the Saturday market, you’ll understand why some owners complain about the cramped interior and poor sightlines. If you’re considering the Chevrolet Camaro as a daily driver, these issues are potential deal-breakers.
Design and Customization
The Mustang offers various customization options, which are essential when creating a vehicle that reflects your personality. That Dark Horse stands out with its unique intake manifold, Brembo six-piston front brakes, and 19-inch Tarnished Dark-painted wheels that appear race-ready. Ford Performance Parts can add over 100 horsepower to GT models through various performance packages, which include cold air intakes, supercharger kits, and adjustable suspension components such as shocks, springs, and sway bars. Aftermarket support is also excellent. AmericanMuscle stocks over 13,000 Mustang-specific parts ranging from exhaust systems and wheels to body kits and interior accessories. Camaro simply can’t compete with this level of customization support.
Everyday Use in Ashland
Fuel costs can accumulate quickly during daily driving, especially with Oregon’s gas prices. The EPA estimates that the four-cylinder Mustang achieves 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while adding the Performance Package reduces these numbers to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. This translates into adequate fuel economy, whether you’re commuting to work in Medford, cruising up to Crater Lake for the weekend, or making longer trips to Portland for concerts and events. The Camaro’s V-6 engine only achieves 18 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V-8 models are rated at 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Considering these numbers, combined with the Camaro’s notorious visibility issues that make navigating downtown Ashland’s narrow streets or crowded shopping mall parking lots more challenging, the Ford Mustang is the clear victor in this comparison.
Safety and Value
Both cars have received 8 out of 10 safety scores and five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford includes the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard, which has features such as lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Camaro charges extra for similar features, which puts it at a disadvantage since these safety technologies are essential on the winding roads of Southern Oregon and in unpredictable weather conditions. The Ford Mustang ranks in the top 25% for retaining its value at both the five- and seven-year marks. This provides strong protection for your investment compared to most other sports cars.
Discover Your Perfect Muscle Car in Ashland, Oregon
Both the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro offer the quintessential muscle car experience — the growl, the appearance, and the unmistakable American vibe. However, for everyday driving in Southern Oregon, the Mustang is clearly the more sensible choice. It offers better fuel efficiency, cabin space, safety features, and visibility than the Camaro. It also provides stronger resale value to protect your investment. Our service department at Butler Ford can handle everything from oil changes to performance upgrades, keeping your vehicle in optimal condition. Contact us to explore our extensive inventory and schedule a test-drive. For payment options, you can also apply for financing online at your convenience.
