Remember that game called “Would You Rather?” It can be played multiple ways, including making you choose between two unbelievably good, or unbelievably horrible, choices. It’s all a game of rhetorical situations, which somehow makes it perfect for bench racing! We give you the Third-Gen Pony Car Edition of Would You Rather…
Third-Gen Mustangs, aka the Fox Body, were built from 1979 to 1993, and have been hot rodded and raced in every form of motorsports imaginable. The Camaro on the other hand was built from 1982 to 1992, and has also been a staple in the hot rodding and racing community since production started.
There are die hard camps for each, and even divisions within them, after all, big vs small blocks, LS vs the world, etc are just scratching the surface on what dudes will argue about with regards to these two iconic models. We find it entertaining that even though these third-gen pony cars came about during one of the most boring periods in the history of American Automobiles, they have found their way into the hearts, garages, and race trailers of many of us. And many folks are very opinionated about each one.
We’re not going to go into all the possibilities of what can be done with these cars. The parts list is never ending, and the possibilities are quite literally endless. What we are going to do is ask you some specific “Would You Rather?” questions with regards to these two.
Use the comments section below to give us your answers. If you want to add details beyond what is asked, rock on.
1.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build the ultimate small tire drag car?
2.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a bitchin road racing and autocross Pro Touring Machine?
3.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a period correct big tire Pro Street machine?
4.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build into a daily driver that could also serve as the occasional weekend toy?
5.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a Chump Car or 24-Hours of Lemons car?
Have any other suggestions for Would You Rather? match ups, and or questions to include? Email [email protected]
1.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build the ultimate small tire drag car?
Camaro for the wheelbase. I’m not fond of looking at the sky, no matter how bitchin’ it looks from the outside.
2.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a bitchin road racing and autocross Pro Touring Machine?
Mustang…very tossable. Sideways FTW!
3.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a period correct big tire Pro Street machine?
Pro Street IROC!
4.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build into a daily driver that could also serve as the occasional weekend toy?
Leaning toward Camaro as well. T-tops and legroom.
5.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a Chump Car or 24-Hours of Lemons car?
Really? Make me pick? If I have to, I’m going Mustang for the same reasons as auto crossing.
1.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build the ultimate small tire drag car?
Mustang. It just seems easier and cheaper to get them to go fast in a straight line.
2.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a bitchin road racing and autocross Pro Touring Machine?
Hmm… Gotta go Camaro here. Since I’m cheap, I’d be scouring junkyards for upgrades in the handling/braking department, and there’s more out there as far as factory swappable parts for the F-Body.
3.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a period correct big tire Pro Street machine?
Camaro all the way. I’d do something with a lot of teal and hot pink, and don’t forget covering the entire interior in gray tweed.
4.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build into a daily driver that could also serve as the occasional weekend toy?
Mustang all the way. I’ve had Fox cars and F-bodies (still own a F-Body 2nd Gen T/A) and the Fox makes a much better daily driver. They just seem to be built better and ride more comfortably than the GM counterparts. Plus, you get all the benefits of cheap Fox performance parts for weekend fun.
5.) Would You Rather…use a third-gen Camaro, or Fox Body Mustang, to build a Chump Car or 24-Hours of Lemons car?
This is a tough one. I’d say Mustang, because from my experience, the bottom end of the roller 5.0’s holds up under abuse longer than a similar vintage 305/350. The 2.3L won’t win any drag events (unless it’s turbocharged, of course), but they seem to hold up well in these endurance races. That and I cannot stand the 2.8/3.1 GM V6. Not even considering the Iron Duke Camaros because, well, when was the last time you saw one?
Having owned both, I can honestly say I never want to own another third gen Camaro. It has looks going for it and that’s all, just a miserable experience. Everything was built to last for about five years after it rolled off the showroom floor.
My Fox bodies have been good cars though and despite their money pit tendencies they are good strong foundations. Comfortable inside, easy to work on and pretty reliable in stock form. They hold up better too.
Question #1: G-body Malibu, why? Lighter than the Camaro, cheaper to buy and it has a full frame under it.
Question #2: see answer to question # 1
Question #3: see answer to question #1
Question #4: see answer to question #1
Question #5: the Mustang would make a great throw away car for the Lemons race
My thoughts exactly ^
I would take the Mustang in all of these choices except Pro Street. I have driven many 3rd gen camaros over the years. Not a fan at all. Dont like the way they drive, the ugly dash and interior, and the fact every single rattled terribly. Mustangs arent much better in the rattle category. As for pro street, they both would suck.
Drag car? Mustang – there’s so much info out there on setting them up that it seems to be the best choice.
Pro Touring or road race? I’d go with an F-body, but I’d pick the Firebird. Probably because I watched too much Knight Rider growing up, but I like the looks better. Except for…
For a Pro Street car, I’d go with a Camaro. Just seems to be more period correct.
Daily driver? Firebird again, no clear reason.
Chump or LeMons? F-body again, better starting point for the suspension.
I’m with you, neither a Camaro nor Mustang have the looks of a firebird. I always loved the GTP appearance package and the pace car with the Buick 3.8 turbo would be the bees knees as an autocrosser.
Question # 1 – 4
2dr M Body Chrysler (LeBaron, Caravelle, Diplomat) better looking in my opinion than either and the G Body GM offerings, rear drive and almost all came with a small block V-8. I have a ’78 LeBaron 2dr t-bar car in my garage currently in the planning & procrastination stage of build up.
Question # 5
Either or as a throw away racer.
1.) Drag car? Mustang obviously, that’s what they’re built for. Might put an LSx motor in it though… Just to piss people off.
2.) Pro Touring Car, Camaro all the way.
3.) Not a fan of Pro Street at all… I might say Camaro though, because they look better tubbed, I think.
4.) Daily? Mustang… Slightly more comfortable.
5.) I think fox body, because the rear is more reliable, generally easier to beat on.