Ford Mustang Outpoints Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger in Consumer
Reports Tests of Sports Cars and Coupes
Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Nissan 370Z, and redesigned Subaru Impreza WRZ get Very
Good road test scores
YONKERS, N.Y., The freshened Ford Mustang outpointed two other reincarnated muscle cars -- the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger -- as well as the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe in ConsumerReports' tests of six sporty cars and coupes in the October issue.
The Mustang received a Very Good overall road test score of 78, outpointing
the Camaro which received a Very Good 71, and the Challenger, which received a
Good 53 points. CR's engineers found the Mustang's 2010 freshening makes it
an even more balanced and satisfying driver's car than ever before.
"The Mustang topped this group by delivering strong acceleration,
communicative steering, and the most agile handling," said David Champion,
senior director of CR's Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.
The new Camaro shares basic underpinnings with the Pontiac G8 sedan. The
Challenger is based on the large Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger
rear-wheel-drive sedans. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe received a Very Good test
score and is distinct from the rest of the group. It is loosely based on the
Genesis luxury sedan and is powered by either a turbocharged four-cylinder or
V6 engine, in contrast to the muscle cars' V8s.
CR also tested the redesigned Nissan 370Z two-seat coupe, an agile sports car
which received a Very Good test score, and the updated and improved 2009
Subaru Impreza WRX, which also received a Very Good test score.
Prices ranged from $38,565 for the 370Z to $26,088 for the WRX. The Mustang
has average reliability and is Recommended, as is the WRX. The other models
are too new to have reliability data for CR to Recommend them. CR only
Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least
average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of
its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least
adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
Full tests and ratings of the sporty cars test group appear in the October
issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale September 1. The reports are
also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org . Updated daily,
ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product
news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.
In everyday driving, the Mustang corners with agility and the highway ride is
civilized. The Ford Mustang GT premium, ($34,725 Manufacturer's Suggested
Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 315-hp, 4.6-liter V8 engine that
delivers strong acceleration and gets 20 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy
tests. The engine has a deep burble that is pleasing to listen to. The
five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and accurately. Braking is Very
Good. The 2010 freshening brought upgraded interior materials and better fit
and finish.
The Camaro provides blistering performance and handles capably, but its girth
undermines its agility. The Chevrolet Camaro 2SS ($35,425, MSRP as tested), is
powered by a 426-hp, 6.2-liter, V8 engine that delivers very strong
performance and 18 mpg overall. The engine sounds great when the throttle is
punched. The six-speed manual transmission has a good feel. Braking is
excellent. The interior is nicely finished despite gaps around the instrument
panel and some cheap plastics.
With exhilarating straight-line acceleration, a brawny V8, and stock-car
styling, the Challenger recaptures the character of the American muscle car.
The Dodge Challenger R/T ($36,600, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 370-hp,
5.7-liter "Hemi" V8 engine that delivers strong performance and 18 mpg
overall. The optional six-speed manual transmission shifts well with a
pistol-like grip that fits snugly in hand. Whatever wind and road noise there
is, and it's not much, is overwhelmed by the invigorating engine growl.
Braking is mediocre and it has a big car feel rather than a sports car. The
well-assembled interior has a nicely padded dash and nostalgic horizontal seat
stitching.
The Genesis Coupe has agile handling that makes make it fun to drive, which is
unusual for a Hyundai. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring ($28,375,
MSRP as tested), is powered by a 306-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine and gets an
impressive 23 mpg overall. The V6 engine smoothly hums under acceleration.
However, the interaction of the six-speed manual transmission's shifter and
heavy clutch make it a challenge to get smooth shifts. Braking is very good.
The interior is nicely finished, although it's not luxurious like the Genesis
sedan's.
The WRX's ride is taut, yet controlled and the car is steady yet compliant on
the highway. The Subaru WRX ($26,088, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 265-hp,
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers very strong acceleration and gets
24 mpg overall. It's well matched to a five-speed manual transmission. In
everyday driving, the WRX engine has the manners of a typical four-cylinder
with mileage to match. Braking is excellent. Interior plastics are all hard,
but the interior is well-assembled.
Redesigned for 2009, the two-seat 370Z is shorter and better finished than its
predecessor, the 350Z. Great handling and braking are high points of the 370Z,
as is abundant power. The cabin is cramped and noisy, it's hard to see out,
and the stiff ride is wearing over time. The Nissan 370Z Touring ($38,565,
MSRP as tested), is a real sports car with quick handling and lots of grip. It
is powered by a 332-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that gets 23 mpg overall, but on
premium fuel. The six-speed manual transmission's short-throw shifter has a
good feel. Braking is excellent. The interior has exceptional fit and finish.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one
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SOURCE: reuters
