Mustang Cobra Vs. Camaro Z28

The Mustang Cobra and Camaro Z28 are performance versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. While the Mustang Cobra was offered as a special model from Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT), the Z28 Camaro was a trim level of the standard Camaro model that featured performance upgrades.

Mustang Cobra Information

Ford built the Mustang Cobra between 1993 and 2004 to offer a high-performance version of its popular Mustang pony car. The first Mustang Cobra was based on the third-generation Mustang and featured a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. The Mustang Cobra also came with a five-speed manual transmission. A special Mustang Cobra R variant was also produced. This model was built in limited numbers and meant for racing, with accessories such as the air conditioning, sound insulation and rear seat removed to reduce weight.

In 1994 Ford redesigned the entire Mustang line, along with the Cobra. The new Cobra was slightly larger than the 1993 model and came as either a coupe or convertible. In 1995 a new Cobra R was released, featuring a special 5.8-liter engine rated at 280 horsepower. In 1996 Ford replaced the 5.0-liter V8 with a new 4.6-liter version that produced over 300 horsepower while raising fuel economy.

Ford continued to add performance upgrades to the Mustang Cobra in each successive model year. The Mustang Cobra was discontinued after 2004 as a new generation of Mustangs were released, including new performance versions.

Camaro Z28 Information

The Chevrolet Camaro has been offered with a Z28 performance package in certain model years dating back to the 1960s. In different model years the Z28 package included larger engines and brakes than standard Camaro models, as well as sport suspension packages.

During production of the Mustang Cobra, Z28 was offered as an option on the fourth-generation Camaro. It was a step below the SS (Super Sport) performance package. The Z28 package could be added to either the liftback coupe or convertible body style. The Z28 replaced the base Camaro's V6 engine with a 5.7 liter V8 that produced 275 horsepower. It could be paired with either an automatic or manual transmission. The entire Camaro line was discontinued after the 2002 model year.

Similarities

The Mustang Cobra and Camaro Z28 featured numerous similarities, beginning with their traditional front engine/rear-wheel drive layout, V8 engine and 2+2 seating configuration. Both cars also offered similar optional equipment such as a cassette or CD player, power seats and single (later dual) airbags. The two cars also featured similar interior and exterior dimensions and nearly identical fuel efficiency.

In terms of market segment the Mustang Cobra and Camaro Z28 were very similar. Both represented factory-tuned performance versions of sports cars at prices still accessible to many customers. In addition, both cars were frequently customized for use in racing circuits.

Key Differences

One of the major differences between the Camaro Z28 and Mustang Cobra is their respective pricing. The Mustang Cobra was generally priced $4,000 to $5,000 above the Camaro Z28, and several thousand dollars more than Camaros with the SS performance package. Despite its smaller engine, the Mustang Cobra was more powerful in most configurations. The Camaro Z28 featured additional gauges, such as a low-fuel warning, that were not available on the Mustang Cobra.

Another key difference between the cars is their exterior design. While the Mustang was refreshed in 1999 to feature sharper angles, the Camaro remained aerodynamic and rounded throughout its fourth-generation run. In both cases the designs were seen as vast improvements over the 1980s- and '90s-era predecessors, but the contrast between a Mustang Cobra and fourth-generation Camaro Z28 is striking.

Comparison for Buyers

Since the Z28 was a trim level of the Camaro rather than a distinct model, it can be found in more configurations than the Mustang Cobra and may contain specific features that appeal to a buyer. For example, the Mustang Cobra was never offered with an automatic transmission, while the Camaro Z28 was.

As a specialty model within the Mustang line, the Mustang Cobra became highly collectible even before it was discontinued. Thus, it is more common today to find a used Camaro Z28 than a Mustang Cobra, with the Mustang being higher priced accordingly. When comparable cars are available, the buyer's preference is likely to depend on brand loyalty or personal opinion regarding the two very different-looking cars.

References

• Cobra Mustang
• Z28.com

Resources

• Fast Autos