Edmunds.com Names the Top 'American Muscle Cars' of Today

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 1999--

Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler 300M and Ford SVT Lightning Winners in Head-to-Head Showdown of Modern, American-built Performance Vehicles

Edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com), the Web's leading third party automotive resource, today announced the results of its head-to-head comparison road test for eight vehicles that Edmunds.com recognizes as classically American "muscle cars."

The lineup of seven cars and one truck were chosen based on each nameplate's reputation and then divided into four categories. All vehicles were required to house 240 horsepower under the hood and final assembly had to take place on North American soil. Comprehensive criteria and test results are available at http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/clor/Mu...mparo.rt.html.

Placed in head-to-head competition by class, the Edmunds.com editorial team assessed each vehicle's performance, handling, comfort, and design, awarding winners within each class as follows:

-- TRADITIONAL PONY CARS

Ford Mustang GT beats Chevrolet Camaro SS In the most debated rivalry in history, the Ford Mustang beat the

Chevy Camaro. The Camaro did outpace the Mustang in terms of

speed and performance but surprisingly enough even to the

testers, the Mustang garnered higher ratings overall. Although

the Mustang is not quite as speedy as the Camaro, the Mustang is

the better day-to-day car of the two because it's quieter, rides

better and offers better interior ergonomics and quality.

-- SPORTS COUPES

Chevrolet Corvette beats BMW M Coupe

The BMW M Coupe (assembled in South Carolina) and the Chevy

Corvette clashed in the second round. Edmunds.com editors

responded favorably to the BMW's interior perfection, smooth

six-cylinder engine and solid construction. However, the

aesthetics weren't enough to displace the champion Corvette. In

the end the Corvette's speed and handling couldn't be matched by

its classy counterpart.

-- HOT RODS

Ford SVT Lightning beats Pontiac Firebird

Round three presented an unusual test between the Firebird and

this supercharged Ford pick-up truck. The Firebird scored well in

the speed categories, but results were less than stellar in the

everyday driving categories where the Lightning excelled. The

Lightning, declared this round's champion, outranked the Firebird

in nearly every category and was just nosed out for pure

performance.

-- SPORT SEDANS

Chrysler 300M beats Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

Although the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and the Chrysler 300M were

compared head-to-head, testers thought these two cars would

appeal to very different people. The Pontiac Grand Prix is the

tougher, more robust car while the Chrysler 300M is a bit more

agile and luxurious. But if left to choose, Edmunds.com editors

would pick the 300M based on its generous interior and nimble

handling.

All cars were initially pushed to the limits at southern California's Willow Springs raceway and then tested in real world conditions through the torturous twists and turns of some strategically chosen two-lane roads north of Los Angeles. Eight drivers put each of the cars through a rigorous 25-point evaluation. After evaluation was complete, the testers were asked which two of the vehicles they would most like to drive day-to-day. The most popular car chosen overall by Edmunds.com testers was the Chrysler 300M for its handling and cargo spaciousness coupled with strong performance. The Ford SVT F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Corvette were the testers' second and third choices.

 

Wow! Thats a cool article!!!!
I'd have to agree on the Camaro part of things. I have owned two of them....a 95 and a 98. The 95 was a complete piece of crap and while the motor in the 98 was significantly better, I'd have to say it was heading in the same direction. The bodies of these cars tend to squeak and rattle no matter what the hell you do with them. I had subframes in both of mine and still, they were loose as a goose!!!
Glad I switched camps and will never look back!!!

Paul G.

 

That is a good article. I first read it about 3 weeks ago while browsing around the Edmunds site. Edmunds has really branched out from its former price reporting only service to become a full service automotive information and opinion publisher.

Did you happen to notice in another Edmunds article (on their site) that they also named the '99 Lightning as their "Most Wanted" pickup in the over $25,000 catagory?

Mike Philpott
'99.5 Black Lightning

 

"The most popular car chosen overall by Edmunds.com testers was the Chrysler 300M for its handling and cargo spaciousness coupled with strong performance. "

Gee, sounds like the lightning, no one could convince me the 300m has more luggage room then a lightning (bed)!?!?! and performance?

"Although the Mustang is not quite as speedy as the Camaro, the Mustang is the better day-to-day car of the two because it's quieter, rides better and offers better interior ergonomics and quality."

Someone buying a mustang for interior ergonomics should buy a toyota accord! who wants a quiet sports car???

Sounds like they did a very scientific test...

anyone ever see the simpsons episode where homer designs the car for the average joe?

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David
'99 F150 XLT SC, STYLESIDE
4X4 ORP 5.4L, AUTOMATIC,
139wb, Rhino, K&N,
BugGuard, RainGuards
Superchip

 

Great article.

Also noticed that the Lightning had the highest overall score.

That 0-60 time seems lower than any I've put up as well...

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99 Lightning
Superchip
Bedrug
On Order (2 weeks and counting) Leer Hard tonneau (w/remote unlock)