Chevrolet vs Ford Camaro SS vs Mustang GT · Early sixth gen vs early S550
Camaro SS vs Mustang GT: which used V8 fits your everyday life?
A focused comparison of the 2016–2017 Camaro SS and 2015–2017 Mustang GT. Both bring V8 character, but the right daily driver depends on more than horsepower.
5 min read · Updated 2026-10-20
- Camaro SS
- 6.2L V8 · 455 hp
- Mustang GT
- 5.0L V8 · 435 hp
- Driven wheels
- Rear-wheel drive on both
- Our scope
- U.S. specification coupes
These are the cars you buy because you want the drive home to feel like part of your day, not just the space between work and dinner. Both offer a naturally aspirated V8, a manual or automatic, and plenty of room to make expensive mistakes if you buy on exhaust noise alone.
This is a researched buying comparison, not a firsthand road test. We are comparing early sixth-generation Camaro SS coupes with early S550 Mustang GT coupes in U.S. specification. Later cars have meaningful changes, so a badge alone is not enough to compare listings fairly.
Performance and the gearbox question
The Camaro SS has 455 horsepower from its 6.2-liter V8. A 2015–2017 Mustang GT uses a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 435 horsepower. Both put that power through the rear wheels, but a power figure is not a complete description of steering, traction, ride quality, or the condition of a used example.
In this comparison, the Camaro offers a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic; the Mustang offers a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Do not apply later ten-speed specifications to these cars. Drive the actual transmission you intend to buy and check for smooth, predictable behavior from cold through fully warm operation.
The daily driver test
Take your normal bag, adjust the seat properly, and try a tight parking space. The Camaro's window openings and rear visibility deserve a careful personal check. Use the mirrors and reversing camera rather than assuming you will get used to a seating position that already bothers you.
Both rear seats are occasional-use territory. If you regularly carry adults, child seats, or bulky luggage, test that exact job before deciding either coupe can be your only car. Compare tire noise and ride quality on an ordinary road; wheel size and suspension options can change the experience.
Equipment and model years
A Camaro 2SS adds comfort equipment over a 1SS; a Mustang GT Premium similarly puts more emphasis on cabin features than the base GT. Verify the window sticker or build information. Appearance packages are not a reliable shortcut to knowing which brakes, dampers, or differential the car has.
The S550 introduced independent rear suspension for the 2015 Mustang. The 2018 GT then received higher output and an available ten-speed automatic, which is outside this comparison. Keep that boundary in mind when a listing or seller casually says all S550s are the same.
Buy the condition before the modifications
Get insurance quotes for the VIN before committing. Price tires, brakes, fuel, and an independent inspection as part of your decision. A cheaper car with worn consumables and an undocumented tune can quickly erase the saving.
Ask for service records and a written modification list. Have a qualified specialist investigate vibration, shift problems, leaks, warning lights, or evidence of collision repair. Confirm outstanding recalls by VIN. Neither a clean-looking interior nor an enthusiastic seller replaces those checks.
Which one should you choose?
Shortlist the Camaro if its compact cockpit, visibility, and controls work for you and you want to explore the sixth-generation SS specifically. Shortlist the Mustang if the S550's seating, loading access, and equipment fit your routine better. Those are reasons to test-drive each one, not universal rankings.
For a first V8 daily, our recommendation is the best-maintained car that fits your budget after fees and immediate upkeep. If the examples are equally sound, choose the one you enjoy on a normal commute. You do not need the loudest build or the most options to get the experience you came for.
Sources
RevFinder verdict
Two good answers to the same question. Start with condition and daily fit, then choose your preferred V8 character. A well-documented automatic is just as valid a street-car choice as a manual.
This guide is educational, not a substitute for a vehicle-history report or an independent pre-purchase inspection. Specifications can vary by year, trim and market.