Mustang GT vs. Camaro SS 1LE: Ultimate Pony Car Shootout

By Derin Richardson - September 12, 2018

Active Exhaust

This is an area where there is a clear winner, and it’s the Mustang. The reason for this is simple: Catback exhausts just sound phenomenal.

In fact, the tone is so deep and throaty on the GT’s stock exhaust that its rather surprising how there is almost zero cabin drone while in Sport or Track modes. Let’s not pretend, however, that the SS 1LE is a slouch by any means. It sounds great with the active exhaust valves open, but the sixth-gen Camaro’s “suitcase” muffler really stifles an otherwise fantastically-sounding vehicle. As a result, the exhaust note is sharper and less tonal. Throw some catbacks or axle backs on it, and it really opens up.

Price Comparison: Mustang vs Camaro

The Mustang GT’s performance packages come in two tiers, however only the second level comes with the much-coveted MagneRide system. This one is indeed equipped with the system, despite only having the first tier. However, the SS 1LE has a couple of extra goodies over the Mustang, such as the suede-wrapped steering wheel and knee pads, transmission cooling, oil cooling, differential cooling, and dual outboard radiators. While all of that isn’t exactly necessary for a daily driver, they do indeed help while on the track. Which, of course, what the package was made for.

Neither the PP1 nor the PP2 have these features, but they are no less trackable. Realistically, if you want to make the PP1-equipped GT highly competitive on both fronts, all you need are wider, stickier tires and a better transmission. These two mods alone will make it both king of the track and the road.

So the real comparison comes down to the price: Performance Pack 1 costs an additional $3,995 ($8,785 if you include MagneRide, Equipment Group 401A, and Active Exhaust), on top of the 2018 Mustang GT’s $39,095 MSRP. Which makes brings the total to $43,090 ($48,780 with included features). The 1LE package for the 2018 Camaro SS will run you $7,000 on top of the Camaro 2SS base price, which is $43,790, bringing the grand total to $48,995. Despite the thin margin cost-wise, the Mustang wins this battle fair and square.

Final Thoughts

Both machines offer marvelous levels of V8 performance that turn heads everywhere they go. They both scream down the road with a wicked vengeance and have superb swagger. But fair is fair, and the Mustang GT took points for its power delivery, acceleration, exhaust note, and price. The Camaro scored points for its buttery-smooth Tremec six-speed transmission and its tight handling.

Though there is a clear winner here, we’re going to be frank with you: we wish we could keep both of these vehicles for ourselves. That would be the ultimate win.