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  • SilverFleet

    Jan. 13, 2012 1:05 p.m. SilverFleet HalfDork

    I want to drive the new Camaro SS and Challenger R/T. A friend has a '11 Mustang GT and it is an absolute missile. It's on the big side too if you are comparing it to the older models, but it handles really well for a car of that size (and for any size, actually) and is very comfortable and easy to drive. I found it to be more comfortable inside and easier to control, both in a straight line AND around corners, than my old 2009 WRX. So what if it's big? The car performs. Did I mention that it is FAST?

    The only "seat time" I've had with the Camaro and Challenger occur on Forza 4. Looks-wise, my hands-down favorite is the Challenger. I'm not sure what it is, but it evokes all the awesomeness and insanity of those old Mopar musclecars of the late 60's-early 70's better than the other two pony cars. The wife even likes them and said we can get one in a few years when we have a bit more money.

    And remember kids... there is an aftermarket for a reason. You can go in any route with any of these three cars as far as performance goals go.

  • Keith

    Jan. 13, 2012 1:11 p.m. Keith SuperDork

    There's only so much the aftermarket can do to make them smaller

    Here's a picture from Targa Newfoundland 2011 that makes me smile.

  • MadScientistMatt

    Jan. 13, 2012 2:30 p.m. MadScientistMatt SuperDork

    It'll be interesting to see someone get a photo of the new Dart next to a classic one. Looks like that one's shrunk a lot.

  • a401cj

    Jan. 13, 2012 2:49 p.m. a401cj Reader

    Keith wrote:

    There's only so much the aftermarket can do to make them smaller

    Here's a picture from Targa Newfoundland 2011 that makes me smile.

    I see three (3) trucks in that picture. What besides your Miata makes you smile?

  • Keith

    Jan. 13, 2012 4:21 p.m. Keith SuperDork

    Well, there is a Corolla..

    The size difference between those two cars, obviously. They were in the same class. This was right after we'd run a very VERY narrow stage. Rob Paccione, the driver of the Challenger, said it was like walking a tightrope. I don't know how he got up one section - check out 0:42 in the video. I could always count on opening up a gap between us on the tight stages.

    In 2008, when Ralph Gilles (talking to Rob in the driver's seat in that shot) saw us packed into our car, he couldn't believe it. Of course, he had some very choice comments about the space inside the Viper he drove in 2011.

  • a401cj

    Jan. 13, 2012 6:07 p.m. a401cj Reader

    In reply to Keith:

    ok Keith you've got my attention. Don't mean to threadjack here but if you were to lose it and plow through a house...do you have to pay for it? How does that work?

  • daytonaer

    Jan. 13, 2012 6:30 p.m. daytonaer Reader

    nderwater wrote:

    The link from the OP

    Thanks for fixing the picture. Ive been working too much lately to get on a real computer.

    I really love this car, but its so damn huge! Its quick with some sweet suspension tech, and rides nice like only a heavy car can. Nice not to rub elbows when your giving a dude a lift, although I can't "accidentally" brush a lady passengers leg while shifting.

    It is easy to park in the sense of turning radius; the front suspension has a double ball joint setup to keep a small turning radius (or sweet drift angle). It is difficult to park in the sense that it is huge. This thing barely fits in normal parking spots, it is a 2 door 300c and has a similar footprint to suv's and minivans. My cherokee is nimble compared to it.

    I'll check out the frs toyobru or whatever it is when it comes out, potential trade in. I've always been a toyota fanboy.

    In the mean time; I need to get some snows mounted on my cop car steelies and get some magnetic "01" stickers for the doors. And no, it doesn't appreciate getting airborne as much as one would think.

  • Ian F

    Jan. 13, 2012 6:36 p.m. Ian F SuperDork

    In reply to a401cj:

    Ditto. That just looks nuts. Awesome, but nuts.

  • Keith

    Jan. 13, 2012 7:21 p.m. Keith SuperDork

    a401cj wrote:

    In reply to Keith:

    ok Keith you've got my attention. Don't mean to threadjack here but if you were to lose it and plow through a house...do you have to pay for it? How does that work?

    Here's what the 2011 rules say:

    2011 Targa Newfoundland said: competitors involved in incidents resulting in property damage are required to pay for the actual cost of the damages to a maximum of C$2,500 per incident. If the incident is judged by the Steward, in consultation with the Clerk of the Course, to be the result of imprudent driving, ...the competitor may be charged with the total cost of the damages even if they exceed C$2,500.

    Of course, hitting a house is not a good way to win. So it's best to avoid it. Greenspond is a particularly nuts stage, more so than most - and there's that one house at the bottom of the hill that may as well have a target on it. It is VERY well noted in the books, I think it's a triple caution. Halfway through Garnish there's a tight little town as well. That stage is awesome, it has everything.

  • Jan. 14, 2012 6:13 a.m. dj06482 HalfDork

    I agree with both comments on the FR-S/BRZ. The biggest attraction of the car for me is the size and weight. I love the new Mustang, but it's much easier to add power/grip/ braking capability than it is to reduce size and weight!

  • Keith

    Jan. 14, 2012 10:40 a.m. Keith SuperDork

    Yeah, my interest level in the car spiked when I saw that size comparison too. I'm looking forward to seeing one.

  • daytonaer

    Feb. 18, 2012 6:15 a.m. daytonaer Reader

    I just realized I titled this thread wrong; it is supposed to be titled "4th gen', as in the car parked next to my car.

    In more recent news; it's as big as a jeep

    but maybe not a real jeep.

    And snow tires are awesome.

  • Vigo

    Feb. 19, 2012 9:34 a.m. Vigo SuperDork

    I agree with the earlier comment about wondering why 4th gen camaros are so big. It doesn't really make any sense unless as a differentiation from vette.

    THEN we get to the NEW cars

    Ive spent a little time in the 5.0 mustang, 5.7 challenger (not srt), and 6.2 camaro, all manuals.

    My impression: Mustang interior a bit too tight, not crazy torquey, ends up being 'deceptively' quick because of the powerband.

    Challenger too big inside and out, most 'torquey', liked interior the best despite size.

    Camaro too small inside considering too big outside (4th gen echoes..), most boring power delivery, worst visibility and 'usefulness'.

    Overall i think the mustang would be my favorite if not for the fact that i dont like the interior style. The challenger ends up with a slight lead in my book despite being slowest by numbers and the fact that i HATE how big it is (been complaining about it on the internet for years).

    Anyway hopefully it just goes to show that even if you ignore the bench-racing and the numbers, other things about the car than its size can make you prioritize it higher than a smaller car.

    But just to be CLEAR, i HATE how big the challengers are. And it's not just the fact that its big.. It's the fact that it's the same basic chassis, size, and weight as a Magnum but gives up ALMOST ALL the practicality PURELY in the name of styling. When they are so similar mechanically and by weight its hard not to think about everything you DONT get with a challenger.

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