Which is Better: the Chevrolet Camaro SS or Ford Mustang? The Chevrolet Camaro is manufactured by the American automobile company Chevrolet. Though classified as a pony car, some of its versions are regarded as muscle cars. The first sale of the first version (1967 model) was on 29th of September 1966. Designed to be a competing model to the Ford Mustang, Camaro became its most intense rival. However, its history doesn’t strictly parallel that of the Ford product since over six generations of Camaro already existed. The Chevrolet Camaro SS entered the market with superior fuel economy ratings and better agility on winding roads, and was available as a convertible. There are six generations of Chevrolet Camaro: First generation (1967–1969) Second generation (1970 – 1981) Third generation (1982–1992) Fourth generation (1993–2002) Fifth generation (2010–2015) Sixth generation (2016–present) In the US, the sales were as follows: 1967 model sold 220,906 1968 model sold 235,147 1969 model sold 243,085 1970 model sold 124,901 1971 model sold 114,630 1972 model sold 68,651 1973 model sold 96,571 1974 model sold 151,008 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1967 model The first sale of the Chevrolet Camaro SS was on September 1966 with a price tag of $2466. Over 250,000 sold in the first year compared to Ford Mustang with over 480,000 sales during the same period of time. Chevrolet Camaro base engine is a 230-cubic inch with 140 gross horsepower. It has four different small-block V-8s and two big blocks. The top choice of L78 big-block was 375-hp, 396 cubic inches. Chevrolet Camaro SS included a 350 CU i. (5.7 L) producing 295 BHP (299 PS; 220KW) at 4800 rpm and 380 lb-ft(515 Nm) at 3200 rpm of torque; also available were the L35 and L78 396 cu in (6.5 L) big-block V8 engines producing 375 BHP (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5600 rpm and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) at 3600 rpm of torque. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1968 model Chevrolet Camaro SS 1968 model was very similar to to the 1967 in design. A fresh air inlet system appeared while side vent windows vanished. Side marker lights also featured on the rear and front fenders (a government requirement for all vehicles produced in 1968). The SS model also had a pointed grille and divided rear tail lights. A 396 cu in (6.5 L) producing 350 hp (261 kW) at 5200 rpm and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) of torque at 3400 rpm big block engine was an option for the SS model. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1969 model The Chevrolet Camaro SS 1969 model had the same major mechanical component with the previous model except for the hood and trunk lid, which makes the car have a sports car look. This model was remodelled with new rear quarter panels, new door skins, rear valance panel and new door skins. The rear valance gave the car a much wider, lower, and aggressive look. The Z28 option was still available with the 302 cu in (4.9 L) small block producing 290 hp (294 PS; 216 kW) at 5800 rpm and 290 lb-ft (393 Nm) of torque at 4200 rpm. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1970 model The 1970 Camaro SS model had 396 cu in (6.5 L) L78 rated at 350 hp (261 kW). Starting in 1970, the big block V8s (nominally 396 cu in (6.5 L)) actually displaced 402 cu in (6.6 L). Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badges, equipped with a single 4-barrel Holley carburettor that produced 375 BHP (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) at 3,600 rpm of torque. The engine and drive train components of the 1970 model were carried over from 1969, with the exception of the 230 cu in (3.8 L) six-cylinder, the base engine was now the 250 cu in (4.1 L) six, rated at 155 hp (116 kW). Chevrolet Camaro SS 1971 model Chevrolet Camaro SS 1971 model changed little in appearance from the 1970 model. This model has a new high back seat with built-in headrests. The 250 cu in (4.1 L) straight-6, 307 cu in (5.0 L) V8, and two-barrel 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 were virtually unchanged, as they were low-compression regular-fuel engines in 1970 and previous years. The LT-1 350 V8 used in the Z/28 dropped from 360 hp SAE gross to 330 horsepower (250 kW) SAE gross due to a compression ratio decrease from 11.0:1 to 10.3:1. The 350 c.i. engine in the 1971 Camaro Z28 produced 275 horsepower (205 kW) SAE net. The 396 (402 c.i.) V8 dropped from 350 to 300 horsepower (220 kW) SAE gross due to compression ratio drop from 10.25:1 to 8.5:1. The 402 c.i. engine in the 1971 Camaro SS 396 produced 260 horsepower (190 kW) SAE net. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1972 model The Chevrolet Camaro carried over to the second-generation Camaro, but it was now powered by a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-litre) small-block LT-1 V-8 rated at 255 horsepower. The LT-1 may have sacrificed some of the DZ302’s high-revving charisma, but it was a much friendlier everyday driving companion. The 350 ci LT1 dropped from 330 gross horsepower in 1971 to 255 net horsepower for 1972 and the big-block 396/402 was now rated at 240 net horsepower compared to 300 gross horses in 1971. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1973 model Chevrolet Camaro SS 1973 model had a standard impact-absorbing front bumper system to meet no damage standards in 5 miles per hour. This car had a quieter and better-appointed interior, full instrumentation, Rally-style wheels, variable-ratio steering, sports mirrors, and hidden windshield wipers, among other upgrades. The Super Sport package was dropped, and the big block 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 was no longer available. Power was down due to new emissions standards, with the top-rated 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 producing 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS) in the Z28. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1974 model The Chevrolet Camaro SS 1974 model was seven inches longer than the previous models, with new aluminium bumpers and forward sloping grille. The round taillights were replaced with a rectangular wrap-around design. It was the last model of Chevrolet Camaro to have a flat rear window and thick roof pillars. 2016-Present The 2019 Camaro belongs to a generation that began with the 2016 model year. For 2019, the Camaro features updated interior and exterior styling as well as some features upgrades. Chevy’s Infotainment 3 system replaces the MyLink system, and the 2019 Camaro also offers forward collision alert and Chevrolet’s Rear Camera Mirror. The Camaro has seen a few changes since its redesign for the 2016 model year. For 2017, Chevy added the high-performance ZL1 trim and offered a new 1LE performance package as well as some new driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and Teen Driver. Chevrolet added a 1LE package for the ZL1 trim in 2018. Conclusion The SS is a personal favourite of ours; what’s not to like about the Camaro styling? It’s a great car that offers several engine options, all of which are powerful and responsive. It handles well, rides smoothly, and features comfortable front seats. Competitively priced, it’s a solid value among sports cars. Still, you should compare this Chevy against some of its close competitors like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger to make sure it’s the right car for you. Muscle Car UK is the UK’s leading specialist Mustang and Muscle Car dealership. We import American muscle cars from the US, restore them here in the UK, and re-home them with our delighted customers. For more updates, news and tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. All cars on our feeds are available and up for sale. Looking for something specific? We can help. We also provide service and restoration on any car, classic or otherwise. Ask for a quote Liked This Article? More Like This: Pontiac GTO – Muscle Car 2020 Review Ford UK MD Visits Leading Classic Mustang Dealership – We’re Still Reeling