Around twenty years ago, the Chevrolet Camaro didn't look long for this world as a result of slow sales. That didn't mean it wasn't a worthy competitor for the Mustang. In this throwback clip, MotorWeek compares the 1998 Camaro SS Z28 against the 1998 Mustang Cobra, and the results are somewhat surprising.
The lighter, smaller Mustang Cobra with its 32-valve twin-overhead cam V8 has a straight-line advantage, but it cedes victory to the Z28 on the road course. MotorWeek found that the Cobra's tendency to understeer, while safe, didn't make it as fun or quick on track as the more lively Camaro.
But with a supple ride and a quieter exhaust, the Mustang was a much more compliant, refined road car than the Camaro. You'd have to pay for that extra refinement, though. The Camaro carried an as-tested price of $24,500 while the Mustang was nearly $2000 more expensive.
So which car is the winner? MotorWeek calls it a draw. You'll just have to decide for yourself then.
A car enthusiast since childhood, Chris Perkins is Road & Track's engineering nerd and Porsche apologist. He joined the staff in 2016 and no one has figured out a way to fire him since. He street-parks a Porsche Boxster in Brooklyn, New York, much to the horror of everyone who sees the car, not least the author himself. He also insists he's not a convertible person, despite owning three.
