2010 Ford Mustang priced cheaper than Challenger, Camaro

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang
The more things change, the more they stay the same. That old saying once again proves true as some early pricing information for the new 2010 Ford Mustang has leaked out, with the latest 'Stang continuing its tradition of offering an excellent value proposition when compared to its new peers. Base price for a standard V6-powered 2010 Mustang is reportedly $21,845, including delivery charge. For comparison, its biggest competitor will surely be the Camaro, which starts at $22,995. The other revived pony car is the Dodge Challenger, which in base SE form begins with a $22,545 sticker price. Each of these entry-level models comes equipped with a standard V6 engine, though the Challenger comes only with a four-speed automatic while its competitors offer a stick. Anyone wanting an open-air experience has no choice but to opt for the Ford, as the Blue Oval's offering is the only modern musclecar with an optional drop-top.
Stepping up to a V8-powered Mustang will reportedly run you $27,995 – quite a bit cheaper than the V8-powered Camaro's $30,995 sticker. Dodge's entry runs $30,545 for the base R/T model and its HEMI V8. It's not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, of course, as the Mustang GT is down a bit on horsepower compared to its rivals, but we think the GT's cut-rate pricing should be more than enough to keep Ford's pony at the top of the sales charts. For more options information (bereft of pricing), download Ford's .pdf here.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang - LIVE
[Source: Ford, Inside Line]







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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
garzaboy 1:40PM (12/03/2008)
long live the pony cars and long live darth vader
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Jon Boy 9:18AM (12/05/2008)
Ahh the big three...Here an interesting story
5 Things You Didn't Know about GM
http://www.curiousread.com/2008/12/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-gm.html
psu48187 1:43PM (12/03/2008)
The 'stang might be down on HP, but it is also lighter than both vehicles. I'd be very interested to see a Camaro V8, Challenger R/T and Mustang GT comparo (I know it's coming soon anyhow).
I can't believe the Challenger SE only comes with a 4 speed auto. As a matter of fact (and correct me if I'm wrong), but I didn't see anything on Dodge's site that alluded to a manual anything for the Challenger. As much as folks complain about the 'ancient' solid rear axle on the 'stang at least you have options. Heck the 4.0 boat anchor is probably as fast as the Challenger.
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johncuyle 2:04PM (12/03/2008)
It's notably lighter than the GT500, though. I would expect performance to be more comparable to that than the GT. It's not terribly far off in horsepower, probably has a MUCH better weight distribution, and has a better suspension. Around a roadcourse it should be much faster than the GT500, which presumably can outperform the GT.
I'm with you on the Challenger. Hugely heavier than the others and equipped with a slushbox? Did they just sort of forget what a pony car is?
MemphisNET 2:17PM (12/03/2008)
Manual IS an option on R/T and SRT. Driven a 4 speed auto Charger and Challenger, and its fine as an every day stylish coupe, but yes its quite boring when you want to toss it around. At the very least, the auto has been refined quite a bit and is a very comfortable transmission for the every man.
Besides, most Mopar guys (including myself) will opt for the 5.7 and mtx combo. The people who just like the styling will love it in base trim.
Steve_S 1:40PM (12/03/2008)
$1,000 less for 90 less hp and a LRA, smacks of bargain to me....or not.
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BoneHeadOtto 1:45PM (12/03/2008)
dude no kidding. A 300hp camaro for $23k.... sign me up. Although i wish it could lose 500lbs
Polly Prissy Pants 2:02PM (12/03/2008)
Out in the real world, the one where most people aren't gearheads who read Autoblog all day, almost nobody cares about HP and "LRAs" and all that noise. They want to coolest appearing car for the least amount of money, and decent mileage to boot.
It may not seem like a lot of money to you but that difference will help Ford sell twice as many Mustangs as Camaro's and Challengers combined.
BoneHeadOtto 2:12PM (12/03/2008)
"They want to coolest appearing car for the least amount of money"
my vote goes to teh Camaro hands down. It will sell on interior alone. Plus it will get by far the best mpgs.
The Luigiian 2:29PM (12/03/2008)
"Out in the real world, the one where most people aren't gearheads who read Autoblog all day, almost nobody cares about HP and 'LRAs' and all that noise. They want to coolest appearing car for the least amount of money, and decent mileage to boot."
The last one's going to hobble the Mustang. It currently gets 19 mpg with the V-6 and automatic. Camaro will get 20 mpg with more powerful V-6, and will cost only $1000 less.
Oh yeah, and then Camaro was Bumblebee. A little late to the pony show for Chevy to be milking that cow, but I'll betcha they'll figure out a way to do it in their ads and brochures.
Steve_S 2:46PM (12/03/2008)
I’d have to agree on the LRA part for the average v-6 buyer but disagree on the power. The Camaro and Mustang will be cross shopped and the main concern at the V-6 level will be looks, power and fuel economy. $1,100 isn’t that much for 42% more horsepower and more capable handling.
The GT makes more of a case because it’s lighter, several grand cheaper and for those who prefer drag racing an LRA is better.
Dave 4:30PM (12/03/2008)
Lets take a walk down memory lane. Perhaps history will tell us how important relative performance is in ponycar sales.
The last gen Camaro (both the 200hp 3.8 V6 and 300 hp V8) outperformed the Mustang by a significan margin.
The Mustang outsold the Camaro because it was a better daily driver. The Mustang had easier ingress/egress and its back seat was larger and more accessible.
Frylock350 4:30PM (12/03/2008)
As for fuel economy its almost the opposite of what you'd expect. The smaller lighter Mustang drinks the most fuel whereas the 5.7L HEMI Challenger uses the least.
Randy915 5:44PM (12/03/2008)
@ Dave -
"Lets take a walk down memory lane. Perhaps history will tell us how important relative performance is in ponycar sales.
The last gen Camaro (both the 200hp 3.8 V6 and 300 hp V8) outperformed the Mustang by a significan margin.
The Mustang outsold the Camaro because it was a better daily driver. The Mustang had easier ingress/egress and its back seat was larger and more accessible."
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It's relatively safe to say that this time around the situation's going to be a lot different. The Camaro will mostlikely be just as capable in all aspects and may exceed the Stang in some of the stats that matter like power, mileage, exterior, interior and perhaps residual value. I think the only redeeming factor for the Mustang is (don't quote me on this) it uses 87 while the Camaro uses 91.
RJ 7:53PM (12/03/2008)
"Out in the real world, the one where most people aren't gearheads who read Autoblog all day, almost nobody cares about HP and "LRAs" and all that noise. They want to coolest appearing car for the least amount of money, and decent mileage to boot."
Hardly true of Mustang and Camaro owners. In fact, the V8 owners from these cars are more of a gearhead than your typical autoblog reader.
These are the guys that argue endlessly over the lift and duration of the Crane cam that they put in there, how many CFM a 3V versus 4V modular head can flow at a certain in of mercury suction, or what nozzels to use in their nitrous kit. You can bet that they care about the engine very much.
MasterCKO 5:34AM (12/05/2008)
RJ, Ford currently sells (and I suspect Chevy and Dodge will sell) significantly more V6 ponies than V8's. SIGNIFICANTLY. I don't think bringing up V8 owners invalidates Polly's actual point.
Jj 1:44PM (12/03/2008)
This is where the real war is fought. When I worked for a Ford dealer in school most of the Mustangs we sold were V6 automatic. Bragging rights a fun but what all three of these cars need is sales for the sake of their respective manufacturers.
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Adam Marcello 1:45PM (12/03/2008)
Id pay the extra 3 grand for an ls3.
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suboost 1:45PM (12/03/2008)
Can anyone please explain to me who the hell buys these cars besides grandmas and housewives?
So let's see here:
For 2K less than a 370z I get a slower car with crap interior that doesn't handle or brake nearly as well.
Oh yeah, it also has bad resale value and everyone has one. Hmmm, I think I'll go with a Z, Camaro or Challenger. Maybe even pay a bit more for a 135 that will also smoke the mustang and it's not a ford.
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Adam Marcello 1:49PM (12/03/2008)
Thats pretty harsh dude. If theres any car I see in LA as much as a mustang is a 350z. They are all over the place.