Performance

The 2011 model year marks a turning point for the Ford Mustang in terms of performance, as it receives a pair of engine upgrades that seriously increase the potency of both its entry-level and top-end trims. The vehicle's all-aluminum base 3.7-liter V-6 offers 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, which when matched with a six-speed manual transmission help it hit 60-mph from a standing start in just 5.6 seconds. Suspension architecture has been tweaked so as to improve the V-6 Mustang's handling, and braking performance is also up.

The Ford Mustang GT adds almost 100 horsepower to the 2010 model's peak output thanks to the inclusion of a fresh 5.0-liter V-8 that generates 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed auto or manual transmission, the GT launches to 60-mph in 4.4 seconds and runs the quarter mile in 12.7 with a trap speed of 112-mph.

The Chevrolet Camaro LS's 3.6-liter entry-level V-6 out-duels the Mustang V-6 in terms of horsepower (312) and matches its torque production (278). Transmission choices are also identical, but the heavier Camaro takes a half second longer in the sprint to 60 miles per hour. The Chevrolet Camaro SS overpowers the Mustang GT's V-8 engine thanks to the 426 horses and 420 lb-ft of torque produced by its own 6.2-liter, eight-cylinder engine, but the extra curb weight once again conspires to keep its 0-60 times almost a half second slower than the Ford offering. On the drag strip, the Chevrolet Camaro SS turns in a 13.1 second run at 111-mph.

Learn more about the new 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
Learn more about the new 2011 Ford Mustang